Today in Prague, there was a meeting of 2 representatives of states, 2 pro-European leaders — foreign ministers of Ukraine and Belgium. During his dialogue with his Belgian counterpart, Kuleba shared the latest updates on Ukraine's diplomatic and humanitarian situation and the situation at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
In turn, Minister Hadja Lahbib confirmed Belgium's intention to continue supporting Ukraine in resisting Russian aggression. As for example, the previously allocated €8 million of non-lethal assistance for the Ukrainian army. Minister Lahbib personally congratulated Ukraine on being granted EU candidate status and added that her country would assist Ukraine in settling the steps necessary to join the European Union. Particularly in the area of the rule of law.
Separately, Hadja Lahbib shared her feelings about her visit to the annexed Crimea in 2021, violating Ukrainian law. As a documentary filmmaker, Hadja Lahbib visited Sevastopol to gather material and shed light on how "Russia used culture as power and propaganda and how artists could live under oppression during such a difficult historical period." Of course, the film was created for educational purposes, and Minister Lahbib herself has always stood on the side of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. However, the minister still regrets that her visit to Crimea took place under such conditions. The minister reaffirmed her support for the Ukrainian people and Belgium's readiness to take part in the reconstruction of post-war Ukraine.
Ministers Kuleba and Lahbib agreed to meet next at the session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
