PARIS, May 13. /TASS/. French President Francois Hollande said Wednesday at a meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk that he is concerned over truce violations in east Ukraine.
"The president of the republic voiced his concern regarding violations of the truce," the Elysee Palace said. "He said he wished that four working [sub]groups on politics, economics, humanitarian and security issues, established as part of the Contact Group [on Ukraine], should have effect as soon as possible."
"He stressed the necessity to move forward in what relates to the political component of the Minsk process," the French presidential press service said.
Hollande and Yatsenyuk "noted the necessity of further movement in the direction of implementation of the Package of Measures adopted in Minsk February 12," it said.
The politicians also discussed issues of bilateral relations, including ways to strengthen ties between Paris and Kiev. In particular, the sides "studied possible projects in the economic sphere, including energy and agriculture, as well as in the sphere of higher education and science."
"The republic’s president outlined France’s readiness to accompany the process of reforms started in Ukraine," the Elysee Palace said.
During the visit, Yatsenyuk will hold talks tonight in the Matignon Palace with his French counterpart Manuel Valls. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko visited Paris April 22.