Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko has met with Slovenian President Borut Pahor, who came to Ukraine as part of his international tour after visiting Berlin and Moscow, the Ukrainian government's press service reported on Sunday.

"Thank you for a strong and reliable position in support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine, for your firm position in ensuring the European unity [in this matter], including sanctions, as well as for a clear stance on the illegal annexation of Crimea," the press service quoted Poroshenko as saying.

The Ukrainian president briefed his Slovenian counterpart about the latest escalation of violence in Donbas, when Avdiyivka was continuously shelled by militants.

"They said the progress in the talks on a political settlement requires the implementation of priority issues of the security elements of the Minsk agreements, first of all, the full and definitive ceasefire and the withdrawal of heavy weapons," the government's press service said.

Poroshenko stressed the importance of maintaining a consistent EU policy of sanctions against Russia until the full restoration of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine in the internationally recognized borders, including Crimea.

They also discussed the European integration of Ukraine and the introduction of visa-free regime by the EU.