The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine met with the President of the Storting of Norway
In the framework of his official visit to the Kingdom of Norway, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk met with the President of the Storting (Parliament) of Norway Masud Gharahkhani.
The parties discussed Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic future, continued support, including military support, and the establishment of the russian federation’s responsibility for its crimes.
First of all, the Speaker of the Parliament of Ukraine expressed his gratitude to Masud Gharahkhani for the invitation to join the celebration of the Constitution Day of Norway. “On this day, you greet a parade of schoolchildren, not bring out weapons to kill, as other countries do. You are looking to the future, not offering the world the past,” said Ruslan Stefanchuk, assuring his colleague that Ukraine has the same values, as human life is the highest value.
At the same time, he thanked the President of the Storting for his personal support of Ukraine and for the humanitarian, financial and military assistance provided by Norway.
“Last night, one of the ‘densest’ missile attacks took place in Ukraine. Kyiv was attacked – the russians continue to destroy peaceful cities and terrorise civilians,” said Ruslan Stefanchuk, stressing that it is thanks to the assistance from partners, including Norway, that thousands of innocent lives are saved during such terrible nights.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine stressed that Ukraine continues to need support: “We really need the latest equipment – modern missile and air defence systems, including NASAMS, artillery, ammunition, heavy military equipment, tanks and combat aircraft.”
At the same time, Ruslan Stefanchuk noted that on 10 April 2023, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine appealed to NATO member states and the NATO Parliamentary Assembly for Ukraine’s membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. He added that the parliaments of Lithuania and Poland have already adopted similar statements supporting Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic path. “I hope that the Norwegian Parliament will also adopt a statement supporting Ukraine’s membership in NATO,” he said.
“We are aware that Ukraine’s formal accession to the Alliance is possible only after the end of a full-scale war. And the Summit in Vilnius should be used to formulate a common vision of the modalities and timeframe for Ukraine’s accession to NATO,” said Ruslan Stefanchuk, stressing that this is important because with security guarantees, it is the path to a common victory.
“Ukraine definitely wants to end this war. But we want to have not just peace, but a just peace,” said the Speaker of the Parliament of Ukraine, adding that this is why the President of Ukraine proposed a peace formula. Ruslan Stefanchuk expressed his gratitude to Norway for agreeing to take care of one of the points of this formula, namely nuclear safety.
“Norway can teach us democratic values, but we also have a lot to learn from you. You gather in times of war to make important decisions. Even in difficult times, you value important democratic values,” said the President of the Norwegian Storting.
He emphasised that he sees cooperation between the parliaments of Ukraine and Norway for many years to come, in particular, in the issue of parliamentary exchanges. “When we carry out such exchanges, we will know what is happening on the ground, what needs are there and what exactly you need to win this war,” he said.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, accompanied by Masud Gharahkhani, also visited the Storting and made an entry in the Book of Honour.