Victorian Minister Meets Ukrainian Government Officials in Kyiv

Tuesday July 31, 2012

For Immediate release

VICTORIAN PLANNING MINISTER MATTHEW GUY MEETS WITH UKRAINIAN GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS IN KYIV

 Kyiv – Victoria’s State Planning Minister Matthew Guy and Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations Chairman Stefan Romaniw, today met with Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister Ruslan Demchenko and Deputy Minister for Culture Yurij Bohutski .

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss strengthening ties between Victoria, Australia and Ukraine.

Minister Guy called for closer working relations, cultural exchanges between the two countries , calling on Ukraine to send cultural groups to major events held in Australia, exploration of a non visa regime between Ukraine and Australia as more Australian business people look to travelling to Ukraine and many Australians look to Ukraine as a tourist venue.Minister Guy also committed to allocating a space in Melbourne for a Shevchenko Monument if Ukraine is  able to provide the statue. 2014 is 200th  anniversary  of Shevchenko’s birth .

Both Deputy Ministers responded positively to building bridges between the two countries.

Mr. Demchenko pointed out that Ukraine has celebrated its 20th anniversary of official diplomatic presence in Australia with its Embassy continuing to function. Ukraine would welcome the opening of an Australian Embassy in Kyiv.

On the issues of visas Mr. Demchenko pointed out that Ukraine had previously approached the Australian Government  on the issue of reciprocal visa rights. Unfortunately the  Australian Government did not respond.

Minister Guy undertook to write to Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr and inform him of the meeting and the issues raised.

Minister Guy also visited the Holodomor Monument at the Mychajlivskij Sobor in Kyiv.

 

Further information Stefan Romaniw +380977486182

 

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