KYIV, UKRAINE – On May 20, 2019, U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry led the U.S. Presidential Delegation on behalf of President Donald J. Trump to the Inauguration of His Excellency Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine. Secretary Perry was joined by U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations Kurt Volker, U.S. Ambassador to the European Union Gordon D. Sondland, Director for European Affairs at the National Security Council Alexander Vindman, Deputy Chief of Mission for the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine Joseph Pennington, as well as U.S. Senator Ron Johnson. Secretary Perry and the delegation met with several Ukrainian and European leaders while in Ukraine to discuss efforts to further economic and energy cooperation within the transatlantic community, and particularly with Ukraine.
President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy
On Monday, the delegation attended the inauguration of President Zelenskyy and held a bilateral meeting with the new President. They reaffirmed the United States is strongly committed to the success of a free, prosperous, and resilient Ukraine. The U.S. looks forward to working with President Zelenskyy as Ukraine seeks reforms and promotes an environment attractive to foreign investment, particularly in the energy sector. The Ukrainian people stand to benefit from their vast potential and realize the economic prosperity they have sought since their independence 27 years ago. The deep partnership between the U.S. and Ukraine, and the vision held by President Zelenskyy for the next generations of Ukraine will help ensure this becomes a reality.
Prime Minister of Ukraine, Volodymyr Groysman
Secretary Perry held a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman. He thanked him for his service as Prime Minister to the people of Ukraine, and supports the peaceful transition of power taking place this week. The United States strongly supports the people of Ukraine, and we look forward to working with President Zelenskyy under his new leadership. Secretary Perry reiterated the United States’ opposition to the construction of the Nord Stream 2 and Turkish Stream pipelines, as it will stifle the security of the European Union. The U.S. and Ukraine remain committed to stopping bad actors who use energy as a weapon and on behalf of President Trump and his Administration, we will continue to support our friend and ally, Ukraine, against Russia’s aggression.
Speaker of Ukrainian Parliament, Andriy Parubiy
Secretary Perry and Ukraine’s Speaker of Parliament, Andriy Parubiy, had a productive discussion regarding the U.S.-Ukraine Strategic Energy Dialogue and reaffirmed our country’s commitment since their last discussion last November. Both leaders emphasized the importance of energy security and diversity in Ukraine and our continued cooperation in these efforts.
President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili
Secretary Perry and delegation members met with President Salome Zourabichvili of the Republic of Georgia where they discussed a wide range of issues related to regional security, economics, and energy opportunities. They discussed ways to improve Ukrainian and Georgian energy security and diversity, including creating an environment that fosters increased investment and benefit to the citizens of the Black Sea region. This includes a desire for maintaining discussions about the potential for LNG as a means of diversification.
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