Ukrainian, German finance ministers sign joint cooperation declaration

MOSCOW. Aug 15 (Interfax) - Ukrainian Finance Minister Sergei Marchenko and his German counterpart Christian Lindner signed a joint declaration of intent in Kiev on Monday on strengthening cooperation between the two countries' Finance Ministries.

"Today we signed a memorandum that will allow us to broaden our cooperation," Ukrainian media quoted Marchenko as saying at a press conference after the meeting.

Marchenko also emphasized Germany's considerable contribution and Lindner's personal role in supporting Ukraine.

Lindner, for his part, said that Germany stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine not only "humanwise, but also because Ukraine shares our common values and is part of Europe."

"We treat what has been achieved in Ukraine, including the reforms, with great respect, which is why I am here today not as a representative of a donor country. Rather, I am here today as a guest, as a representative of a partner country. This is the spirit in which we have just signed the memorandum of understanding," the German finance minister said.

The German government has included support for Ukraine, including military assistance, in its budget planning until 2027, he said.

"We have earmarked further support for Ukraine over the next few years in our budget plans," Lindner said.

The expected 5-billion-euro military support package is part of bilateral assistance, he said. In addition, Germany has been making different financial contributions within the European Union, also providing humanitarian aid, the minister said.

The amount of assistance provided by Germany to Ukraine since the start of the crisis stands at 22 billion euros, including 12 billion euros in military support, Lindner said.