The Polish president took part in the observances marking the 25th anniversary of Ukraine's independence (photo by Andrzej Hrechorowicz / KPRP) (1 / 6)

Presidents of Poland and Ukraine, Andrzej Duda and Petro Poroshenko, in Kiev on Wednesday appealed to the international community to step up efforts to stop Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

See also: Poland and Ukraine will continue historical dialogue "We appeal to the international community to increase efforts, including a policy of sanctions against the aggressor, in order to restore respect for international law and stop the aggression against Ukraine", the presidents wrote in a joint declaration adopted on the 25th anniversary of Ukraine's independence.

The two presidents acknowledged Ukraine's right to and prospects for "acquiring full NATO membership in future, in accordance with the Ukrainian nation's will". They also underlined the key role of transatlantic unity in ensuring security and stability in Europe and the world.

The document highlights the strong cultural and historical ties between the Polish and Ukrainian nations and the fact that Poland was the first country to recognise Ukraine's independence.

The presidents stated that establishing and developing a strategic partnership between Poland and Ukraine "is a historic choice without alternative, and expanding and deepening this cooperation has broad prospects, enormous potential and corresponds to the deepest interests of both countries and their nations".

Duda and Poroshenko underlined "the immutability of Poland's position in supporting Ukraine's efforts to regain its territorial integrity".

"We confirm that Ukraine acknowledges the significance of Poland's active role and importance in seeking a lasting solution for stability and peace in the region, and the Polish side believes that Ukraine's independence is of fundamental importance for Poland's security and independence", the declaration also reads.

The two heads of state declared that they would continue to develop Polish-Ukrainian relations in accordance with the treaty on good neighbourhood, friendly relations and cooperation signed in Warsaw in 1992. They pointed out that Ukraine's association agreement with the European Union was an important factor in this cooperation.

"Poland supports the introduction of visa-free travel between the EU and Ukraine as an effective measure for expanding interpersonal contacts", the document also states.

Duda and Poroshenko underlined "the importance of the fact that Poland has consistently supported and will support Ukraine on its path of deep transformation and structural reforms".

Proof of the strength and stability of Polish-Ukrainian ties is found "in Poles' unqualified support for Ukrainians fighting during the Orange Revolution and the Revolution of Dignity for freedom and democracy", the presidents stated.

They also expressed readiness for continued cooperation to support and protect the rights of the Polish and Ukrainian minorities in the respective countries.

The presidents noted "the existence of tragic pages in the history of Polish-Ukrainian relations" and underlined the importance of "constructive Polish-Ukrainian dialogue based on historical truth". (PAP)