Ukrainian PM, French transport minister discuss reconstruction projects at meeting in Kiev

MOSCOW. April 24 (Interfax) - Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmygal discussed bilateral cooperation and the implementation of joint reconstruction projects with Clement Beaune, minister delegate for transport at the French Ministry of Ecological Transition and Cohesion of Territories, and Pierre Heilbronn, the French president's special envoy for Ukraine's relief and reconstruction, at a meeting in Kiev.

Shmygal thanked the French government, president, and people for assistance being provided to Ukraine and said he expected that "the appointment of the special envoy will serve as a catalyst for our interaction in reconstructing Ukraine, considering the substantial financial aid package earmarked by France for this purpose," Ukrainian media said with reference to the Ukrainian government press service.

Shmygal highlighted the importance of implementing rapid recovery projects in Ukraine this year, which the World Bank has estimated at $14.1 billion, the press service said.

He welcomed the assistance provided for reconstruction of the Chernigov region and urged France and French businesses to join rapid recovery projects, it said.

Shmygal also thanked France for 2 billion euros in aid announced last May by President Emmanuel Macron. Part of it (400 million euros) was provided as direct budget support, some 100 million euros went for humanitarian aid, nearly 100 million was allocated through European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for the Ukrainian railway company Ukrzaliznytsia, and 75 million euros for other companies, it said.

Clement Beaune said France was focused on reconstruction priorities outlined by the Ukrainian government. Paris has some specific projects in the logistics and transport sector, and certain French companies are interested in stepping up their presence in Ukraine, the press service said.