On September 4, Prime Minister of Ireland Simon Harris arrived in Ukraine, where together with President Volodymyr Zelensky, he plans to sign a memorandum of understanding on a new bilateral agreement. About this informs Irish broadcaster RTÉ.
Preparations for this agreement began back in July during a meeting between Harris and Zelensky in Ireland. An important point of the agreement concerns Ireland’s neutral position, in particular, that its aid to Ukraine will not include lethal means.
Harris emphasized that the agreement demonstrates Ireland’s support: “The values of Ukraine are our values, and we will stand side by side with the people of Ukraine, no matter how long it takes.”
During the visit, the Prime Minister of Ireland will also meet with the Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal and discuss humanitarian issues, in particular the return of Ukrainian children illegally displaced to Russia and Belarus. During his visit, Harris will also announce a new package of financial support for Ukraine in the amount of 36 million euros.
In addition to official meetings, the Irish Prime Minister visited the settlements of Kyiv Oblast affected by Russian aggression – Nemishaeve, Borodyanka and Gostomel, where he personally got acquainted with the consequences of the occupation and shelling in 2022.
Commenting on the recent shelling of Poltava, Harris said: “The attack on Poltava and the deaths of dozens of people is a terrible reminder of the constant threat that Ukraine faces every day. Our deepest condolences to the families of the victims.”
We will remind that during his visit to Ireland in July 2024, President Zelenskyy discussed with Harris the issue of the forced removal of Ukrainian children to the Russian Federation and Belarus. Ireland also confirmed its support for Ukraine’s accession to the EU and participation in the international coalition for the return of deported children.
