Yesterday a two-day visit to Ukraine of Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau ended.

The outcome of this historic visit was the signing of free trade zone between Ukraine and Canada.

What will it bring Ukraine? First, it is the removal of tariff barriers. Within seven years after the agreement enters into force, 99% of all trade barriers between Canada and Ukraine will disappear. Ukrainians will have access to the system of state procurement system of Canada, Canadians - in Ukraine. Ukrainian and Canadian goods will receive priority in the trading system of the two countries, Ukraine will significantly expand its sales market, obtain a transparent environment for trade. Along with the expansion of economic benefits, Ukraine has to reform its own legal and regulatory framework that will allow the launch of its goods on the Canadian market to the full extent. In addition, participation in the contract implies the effective fight against corruption and the creating new vacancies. According to analysts, the signing of this agreement will give an impetus to the development of the economies of both countries.

We must remember that the largest Ukrainian diaspora lives in Canada: ethnic Ukrainians are a part of the Canadian government, since the emergence of independent Ukraine Ukrainians of Canada have been supporting the economic, political and social development of our country. This support was clearly manifested during last two years: in addition to humanitarian assistance, Canada supports us in the international arena, Canadian military instructors work in Ukraine, volunteers are constantly engaged in the delivery of goods for the victims of the hostilities in the Donbass region, Ukrainian soldiers are treated in Canada.

In addition, according to the results of the last NATO summit, Canada will be one of those countries that will deliver lethal arms to Ukraine. This more than any words shows what impact the Ukrainian diaspora has in Canada. All this makes it possible to hope for an effective cooperation between Ukraine and Canada.

I would like to say a few words about the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau - one of the most popular politicians of modern times. The young and charismatic Canadian leader sincerely likes Ukraine, which gives us the undoubted preferences. He began his visit with laying of wreaths to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the memorial at Babi Yar. At the wreath-laying ceremony he was accompanied by his eldest son. Justin Trudeau is well-known for its commitment to universal values, rather liberal views and respect for the traditions of different cultures. According to Trudeau, the Prime Minister of multinational Canada, you must be familiar with and respect the history of the state, the part of which you are. I fully share this point of view: without past, whatever it may be, there is no future.