Zelensky holds diplomatic meetings with leaders from Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, and the Netherlands in Munich

Photo: Office of the President

Alvina Kaminska

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky held meetings with the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina Wazed, and Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, in Munich on February 17.

The Office of the President reported this.

Meeting with the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev

The head of the Ukrainian state congratulated the interlocutor on the victory of the President of Azerbaijan in the recent early elections and expressed confidence in the further strengthening Ukrainian-Azerbaijani relations.

"We greatly value the warm relations between our states and our societies," Zelensky said.

The presidents emphasized the constant mutual support of both states' sovereignty and territorial integrity.

^{Photo: Office of the President}

During the meeting, the leaders discussed bilateral cooperation in trade and economy, energy, humanitarian, and other spheres.

Zelensky noted Azerbaijan's assistance in ensuring the reliable functioning of Ukraine's energy system. Separately, he thanked Ilham Aliyev for the implementation of projects for the reconstruction of the city of Irpin and expressed hope for Azerbaijan's further contribution to the economic recovery of Ukraine.

^{Photo: Office of the President}

The leaders discussed potential collaborative economic initiatives, specifically focusing on utilizing Ukrainian gas storage facilities in the energy sector.

The interlocutors coordinated future joint efforts. Zelensky told Ilham Aliyev about the preparations for the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland.

"Our support for Ukraine's territorial sovereignty and integrity is unbreakable, and this will not change. We, as a country that suffered from occupation, perfectly understand your situation and wish peace to Ukrainians and Ukraine," Aliyev replied.

Meeting with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina Wazed

The head of state thanked the head of the government of Bangladesh for supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, particularly at the UN site. Zelensky also emphasized the importance of Bangladesh's support for Ukrainian initiatives.

^{Photo: Office of the President}

Volodymyr Zelensky told the Prime Minister about:

• Ukraine's struggle against Russian aggression,
• the situation on the battlefield,
• the Ukrainian vision of a just peace based on the Ukrainian peace formula.

The President invited the Republic of Bangladesh to join the Formula implementation and participate in the inaugural Global Peace Summit.

^{Photo: Office of the President}

Separately, the head of state informed the interlocutor about Ukraine's efforts to:

• creation of an alternative "grain corridor" in the Black Sea,
• preventing Russian attempts to undermine peaceful shipping in the Black Sea region.

The President of Ukraine and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh also discussed the prospects of establishing cooperation in the trade and economic sphere, particularly regarding the supply of Ukrainian agricultural products to this country.

Meeting with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte

The head of state thanked the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Mark Rutte personally for the firm and strong support of Ukraine during the full-scale war launched by Russia.

^{Photo: Office of the President}

Volodymyr Zelensky informed the interlocutor in detail about the situation at the front. He noted:

• defense aid from the Netherlands in the amount of more than 2 billion euros, provided for Ukraine this year,
• contributions to the European Peace Fund, humanitarian assistance, and support for reconstruction projects in Ukraine.

The parties discussed further defense support for Ukraine and the need for air defense and artillery. They focused separately on the activities of the international aviation coalition, the Netherlands' critical role in training Ukrainian pilots on the territory of Romania, and the transfer of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.

^{Photo: Office of the President}

The President of Ukraine noted the successful work of the two countries' teams on the project of a bilateral security agreement based on the G7 Vilnius Declaration.

The leaders also discussed the implementation of the Ukrainian peace formula and preparations for the first Global Peace Summit in Switzerland.

Volodymyr Zelensky and Mark Rutte paid particular attention to Ukraine's integration into NATO.

It should be added that during the protocol part of the meeting, Dutch journalists asked the leaders to comment on how Mark Rutte's possible transfer to the position of NATO Secretary General would affect their relations.

Zelensky promised that he would demand a decision from "his friend Mark" on inviting Ukraine to the Alliance.

"We will have a solid relationship, and Mark will have to answer a difficult question from Ukraine if he becomes a NATO general – and I hope he will. This question is about (giving) an invitation for Ukraine to NATO," the Ukrainian president said.

The president added that he expects Rutte's assistance in realizing this goal.

For reference:

This year, the anniversary (precisely 60 years have passed since the first such event in Munich) of the Munich Security Conference (MSC) started on February 16 and will last until February 18, with the participation of more than 50 country leaders and 100 ministers.

The global security crisis, armed conflicts, migration problems, the climate, and the development of the latest technologies are on the agenda. Aid to Ukraine is one of the main topics.

It should be noted that for the first time, the countries of the Global South will be widely represented at the MSC. However, the governments of Russia and Iran were not invited.

President Volodymyr Zelensky also takes part in the event. He is attending the conference as part of his trip to Germany and France, with which he signed agreements on security guarantees for Ukraine.

On the morning of February 17, the Ukrainian president made a speech, calling to stop the aggressor and pointing out the risks for the world.