Toronto welcomes the third International Reform Conference.
In opening the Conference, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, stressed the progress that Ukraine had made on the path of reform.
“In the last 5 years, Ukraine has made more progress in reforms than in the previous 20 combined,” said the minister.
In their opening remarks, Stepan Kubiv, First Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine, also emphasized that Ukraine remained a strong nation that continued on the rocky road of reforms with dignity.
“Ukraine is strong insofar as its allies are strong, loyal and steadfast, and is vulnerable insofar as its partners are vulnerable,” said Mr. Kubiv.
Speakers noted that the Ukraine Reform Conference allowed the international community to demonstrate its support to Ukraine’s reform process.
In particular, representatives of delegations from the United Kingdom, Sweden, Lithuania, Japan, Latvia, Poland, Luxembourg and many other countries reassured Ukraine of their commitment to continue supporting its reform agenda.
Notably, Linas Linkaavičius, Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, said, “I am pleased to announce that the next Ukraine Reform Conference will be held in Vilnius.”
He also reaffirmed the commitment to further support Ukraine, but noted that the country must be willing to change and reform.
“Together we will win!” said Linas Linkaavičius in Ukrainian ending his speech.
The third Ukraine Reform Conference held in Toronto from July 2 to 4, 2019 is expected to bring together more than 800 of Ukraine’s friends and partners, representing 37 countries and nine international organizations.
