We are counting on Azerbaijan’s support in protecting and restoring the rights of illegally deported Ukrainian children
The Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Olena Kondratiuk met with the delegation of the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan for Azerbaijan-Ukraine interparliamentary relations, headed by Rufat Guliyev.
During the meeting, the members of the delegation assured the Vice-Speaker of their continued support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, which is a strategic partner for Azerbaijan.
“I am grateful to Azerbaijan for such a consistent position, which fully complies with international law, as well as for its humanitarian and economic support,” said Olena Kondratiuk.
She also recalled a friendly meeting with the Chairperson of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Sahiba Gafarova, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit of the Presidents of Parliaments, who then expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
The day before, members of the Azerbaijani Parliament also visited Bucha and Irpin and saw with their own eyes all the horrors of war and the consequences of the russian invasion.
Another issue raised during the meeting was the abduction of Ukrainian children by russia.
“According to official data alone, 19,393 children were illegally deported. Only 361 children have been returned home,” Olena Kondratiuk informed her Azerbaijani colleagues.
The Deputy Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine also appealed to the Azerbaijani parliamentary delegation to assist in the rehabilitation of Ukrainian soldiers and the rehabilitation of children. Last year, Azerbaijan, in particular, hosted Ukrainian orphans for a holiday.
“We are counting on Azerbaijan’s support in protecting and restoring the rights of illegally deported Ukrainian children and hope to further strengthen our interparliamentary cooperation,” said Olena Kondratiuk.