Parliamentary diplomacy is very important for attracting the world's attention to Ukraine
At the beginning of the meeting, former President of the European Parliament Pat Cox expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian people and admiration for the resilience of our citizens. Being in Kyiv this morning, he, along with all Ukrainians, felt what a massive russian missile attack on Ukraine was like.
Separately, Pat Cox noted the positive fact that the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, as a representative body and institution, is working steadily in the face of a full-scale war.
Olena Kondratiuk said that the main topic of the conversation with the former President of the European Parliament, as the initiator of the format, was preparation for the next round of the Monet Dialogues.
“In particular, it is the readiness of the parliamentary political forces to take responsibility for adopting important laws and difficult decisions to bring Ukraine's victory and membership in the EU and NATO closer,” emphasized Olena Kondratiuk.
In addition, they discussed the issues of parliamentary diplomacy and openness of the Parliament, with the possibility of gradual access for journalists to cover the activities of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
The interlocutors discussed in detail the role of parliamentary diplomacy, taking into account the inclusive approach, gender equality and proportional representation of MPs in parliamentary assemblies, international forums, and inter-party diplomacy activities.
“It is indeed very important that Ukrainians, through their parliamentarians, keep in touch with the international community and draw the world's attention to Ukraine,” Pat Cox emphasized during the meeting, and the Vice Speaker stressed that “they are in full agreement with the former President of the European Parliament!”