Economic Part Of Association Agreement Boosts Trade Between Ukraine And EU By 25%

President of the European Council Donald Tusk says the economic part of the Association Agreement has boosted the trade between Ukraine and the European Union by 25%.

He announced this during a joint press conference with President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko and President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker in Kyiv on July 13, Ukrainian News Agency reports.

"The Association Agreement was ratified two days ago, the economic part of the Agreement has boosted the trade by 25%," he said.

The growing trade will enable further consolidation of ties between Ukraine and the European Union, he says.

At the press service Tusk handed the ratification instruments to Poroshenko.

Tusk says the European Union will not recognize the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia, supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

He says the Russian sanctions will remain until the restoration of Ukraine's sovereignty.

Tusk called on sides to the conflict to fully implement the Minsk agreements. He highlighted the responsibility of Russia for the aggression against Ukraine.

He also called for release of all political prisoners.

As Ukrainian News Agency earlier reported, on July 11, 2017, the Council of the European Union completed the process of ratification of the Ukraine - EU Association Agreement.

The Nineteenth Summit Ukraine - EU started its plenary meeting in Kyiv on July 13.