Italy supports Ukraine's aspiration for EU membership - joint declaration

MOSCOW. May 15 (Interfax) - Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made a joint statement at a meeting in Rome on May 13, the presidential press service said in a statement.

"The future of Ukraine and its people lies in the European family. The European Union has acknowledged the European perspective of Ukraine and has provided Ukraine with the candidate status. The Italian Republic strongly supports Ukraine in its reform effort and the fulfillment of requirements to begin admission talks in 2023. It is looking forward to a positive report from the European Commission," the Ukrainian media quoted the declaration as saying.

Italy pledged further comprehensive support to Ukraine "for as long as necessary, both individually and through international cooperation in the European Union, NATO, the UN and other formats," the declaration said.