Zelensky praised the signing of a MoU on strategic partnership between Ukraine and the EU in the field of raw materials, which initiates strategic cooperation between the parties in the field of critical raw materials and batteries.
The Ukrainian president said:
- I am sure that this will increase the efficiency of raw materials usage, attract additional investment in the latest scientific developments in Ukraine, as well as develop new capacity to increase the added value of production
- The Ukrainian authorities have recently done much to make the lithium and titanium industry more transparent and attractive to investors
In turn, Sefcovic noted that the sphere of critical raw materials has a huge potential in Ukraine.
In this context, the involvement of European companies in the privatization of Ukrainian mining facilities was discussed, in particular, using the opportunities of the investment platform within the European Raw Materials Alliance.
Special attention during the conversation was paid to energy issues.
Zelensky noted the personal role of Sefcovic in the tripartite talks in 2019 on concluding a contract for gas transit through Ukraine, thanks to which the country received significant financial resources for development, and expressed hope for the EC's active role in further ensuring a transparent and competitive European energy market.
The Head of state stressed that the Nord Stream 2 project is a security challenge for Ukraine and the entire region, which poses a threat to the energy security of Ukraine and the whole of Europe.