France's support is essential for Ukraine's membership in the European Union
The First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Korniienko held a working meeting with Pieyre-Alexandre Anglade, the Chairman of the Committee on European Affairs of the French National Assembly.
The First Vice Speaker noted that this was a symbolic meeting after the European Commission's recommendation to start negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the European Union.
"The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine will focus on the European integration path — this is one of its top priorities," he stressed.
In addition, Oleksandr Korniienko noted that Ukraine congratulates Moldova, which is also fighting for the right to a democratic future, on its progress towards the European Union. "France's support for our countries is very important for the EU membership," he added.
At the same time, the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine informed his counterpart about the current situation in Ukraine both on the battlefield and in the political dimension, in particular, about Ukraine's accession to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie.
In the context of the security situation, Oleksandr Korniienko focused on the enemy's attacks on infrastructure and terror of the civilian population. "Sanctions should not only be maintained but also strengthened. And the responsibility of russia's top leadership for the crime of aggression is inevitable," he said, expressing gratitude to France for its consistent position and desire to fight impunity.
The parties also discussed food security, which is important both for Ukraine and the whole world, in particular, for African countries. Oleksandr Korniienko said that this was discussed a lot during meetings with parliamentarians on the sidelines of the 147th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.
The First Vice-Speaker also focused on another important topic — the abduction of Ukrainian children by the russian federation: "We must bring everyone home, and the enemy must be held accountable for these crimes."
In conclusion, the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Korniienko stressed that Ukraine appreciates the support of the French National Assembly, in particular the Committee on European Affairs: "We count on the unwavering determination of France to support the Ukrainian people in the future."