As previously noted, the delegation of the Central Election Commission headed by CEC Chairman Oleh Didenko is on a study visit to the United States to strengthen the CEC's cooperation with international partners, as well as to learn and share best practices in electoral processes and election management.

During the visit, the CEC met with senior officials of the U. S. Department of State and USAID, Kara C. McDonald, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, James Kulikowski, Coordinator of U.S. Assistance to Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia, and Alex Sokolowski, Deputy Assistant Administrator.

The U. S. government recognized the significant achievements the CEC and Ukraine realized in its recent elections, in accelerating electoral legal reform, in strengthening the institution itself and through extensive collaboration with all electoral stakeholders, as well as creating an environment of transparency and trust in the electoral outcomes.

The CEC briefed on its range of achievements, on challenges in the years ahead, on its ambitious and visionary 5-year strategic plan and on Ukraine’s opportunity to be a beacon for neighbors and countries who aspire to democratic governance.

The U. S. government assured the CEC it will continue to support the CEC, its independence, and democratic strengthening in Ukraine.

This study visit takes place at the official invitation of Ukraine's international partners.