Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal hopes that future relations with Poland will be built on a «pragmatic mutually beneficial basis.» He made this statement on April 30 during a government meeting, as reported by the Cabinet of Ministers press service.
The two neighboring countries have a long history of cooperation and shared cultural ties. However, in recent years, there have been some tensions in their relationship, particularly regarding issues such as energy, trade, and historical disputes.
In light of this, Shmyhal’s statement is a positive sign for the future of Ukrainian-Polish relations. By emphasizing the need for a pragmatic approach, he is acknowledging the importance of finding mutually beneficial solutions to any existing issues.
The Prime Minister’s statement also reflects the current state of relations between the two countries. In recent years, there has been a noticeable improvement in their cooperation, with both sides making efforts to resolve any disagreements and strengthen their ties.
One of the key areas of cooperation between Ukraine and Poland is trade. In 2020, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the trade turnover between the two countries reached a record high of $8.4 billion. This shows the potential for further growth and development in this area.
Another important aspect of the relationship between Ukraine and Poland is energy cooperation. Poland is one of Ukraine’s main partners in the energy sector, and the two countries have been working together to diversify their energy sources and reduce their dependence on Russian gas. This cooperation is crucial for both countries’ energy security and independence.
In addition to economic cooperation, Ukraine and Poland also have strong cultural ties. The two countries share a common history and heritage, and there is a significant Ukrainian diaspora living in Poland. This cultural connection serves as a strong foundation for their relationship and provides opportunities for further cooperation in areas such as education, tourism, and cultural exchange.
Shmyhal’s statement also highlights the importance of maintaining a positive and constructive dialogue between the two countries. By emphasizing the need for a pragmatic approach, he is promoting a mindset of finding solutions rather than dwelling on past disagreements. This is crucial for building a strong and sustainable relationship between Ukraine and Poland.
The Prime Minister’s positive outlook on the future of Ukrainian-Polish relations is also shared by the Polish side. In a recent meeting with Shmyhal, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki expressed his commitment to further strengthening the ties between the two countries.
In conclusion, the statement made by Prime Minister Shmyhal regarding the future of Ukrainian-Polish relations is a positive and encouraging sign. By emphasizing the need for a pragmatic approach and highlighting the potential for further cooperation, he is promoting a constructive and mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries. With both sides committed to finding solutions and building on their shared history and cultural ties, the future looks bright for Ukrainian-Polish relations.