French foreign minister pays 1st visit to Ukraine

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Newly-appointed French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne paid his first to Ukraine since assuming his post on Jan. 11.

Sejourne vowed to provide economic and military help to Kyiv for "as long as necessary" when he spoke at a news conference in Kyiv following a meeting with Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

He said Ukraine is and will continue to be one of France's priorities despite increasing crises in the world.

Sejourne said France is determined and will help to strengthen Ukraine's ability to produce weapons systems on its territory.

Kuleba thanked Sejourne for the "comprehensive support" to Ukraine, especially in strengthening air defense, noting the issue as well as the supply of drones and missiles were touched upon during the meeting.

He said he discussed with Sejourne preparations for the upcoming NATO summit in Washington, and a timetable "for taking concrete steps towards Ukraine's membership in the European Union (EU)."

Kuleba insisted that there should be a clear schedule for the negotiating process, which must lead to Ukraine's accession to the EU and NATO.

He said Sejourne supported the aspiration and promised to back, not only Ukraine's integration to the EU, but compliance with certain deadlines along that path.