BWA Global Economic Network declares solidarity with Ukraine and condemns the attack of the Russian Federation 24 February 2022 News Berlin, February 24, 2022 The Federal Association for Economic Development and Foreign Trade (BWA Global Economic Network) declares its solidarity with the people and the government of Ukraine in light of the Russian Federation’s attack on Ukrainian territory. The violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity cannot be justified by anything. BWA’s President Thomas Sapper states: ““I have visited Ukraine personally many times, most recently several times in 2021, and have seen considerable development over the years. The country’s statehood was an indispensable prerequisite for this. In these tragic hours, the solidarity of the BWA goes out to all our members, partners and friends in Ukraine. I strongly urge the Russian Federation to immediately withdraw all troops from Ukrainian territory. We as BWA Global Economic Network will continue to promote and support German-Ukrainian relations, in particular the establishment of new and the consolidation of existing economic and business relations, with particular emphasis.”“ With the recognition of the so-called Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics by the Russian Federation, Ukraine’s territorial integrity has been substantially violated and a cornerstone of the previously existing peace order in Europe since the end of the Cold War has been undermined. The invasion of Russian forces into the territory of Ukraine shortly thereafter was a further escalation in a conflict whose end is not foreseeable at the present time. BWA Global Economic Network expresses its deep concern in view of these developments and appeals to all actors involved, in particular to the Russian Federation, to contribute to an immediate and comprehensive de-escalation of the situation. Likewise, the BWA firmly rejects negating Ukraine’s national sovereignty, as was recently done in a speech by the Russian President. The top priority at this hour must be to prevent increased unnecessary suffering among Ukraine’s civilian population. Political leaders on both sides must return to the negotiating table and negotiate a new diplomatic solution after the failure of the Minsk Agreement. About BWA Global Economic Network: The Federal Association for Business Development and Foreign Trade (BWA Global Economic Network), founded in 2003 and based in Berlin, has been supporting the activities and projects of its member companies and institutions in a targeted and efficient manner in over 70 countries around the world for more than 19 years. It enjoys an excellent reputation nationally and internationally as a bridge builder to sustainable business relations and as an advocate of an eco-social market economy. BWA‘s members are companies and institutions of all sizes and from all industries that are driving the future of their corporate development on the basis of successful value-based cooperation. BWA Global Economic Network bundles its political activities in expert committees that act as think tanks for various topics towards political decision-makers at the national and international level. Contact: Federal Association for Economic Development and Foreign Trade BWA Global Economic Network Federal Headquarters Press Department Kranzler Eck BerlinKurfürstendamm 22D-10719 Berlin Tel.: +49 30 700 11 43-0Fax: +49 30 700 11 43-20 E-Mail: [email protected]
