Oleksandr Korniienko, the First Vice-Speaker, met with Paulo Rangel, Minister of State and Foreign Affairs of Portugal
Oleksandr Korniienko, the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, hosted a meeting with Paulo Rangel, the Portuguese Minister of State and Foreign Affairs. During the meeting, the parties discussed rebuilding of Ukraine, supporting Ukrainians who were forced to seek refuge abroad due to the war, and deepening bilateral cooperation. Paulo Rangel became the first high-ranking official of the XXIV Government of the Portuguese Republic to visit Ukraine.
Oleksandr Korniienko welcomed Paulo Rangel to Kyiv and noted that his visit was a genuine expression of Portugal's solidarity in these difficult times. "Over the past few years, relations between our countries have developed into a true partnership based on shared democratic values and common views on how to ensure peace and security on the European continent," he said.
At the meeting, the parties discussed further support for Ukraine, particularly in the military, financial, political and humanitarian areas. Special attention was paid to the reconstruction of Ukraine, with a particular focus on rebuilding educational institutions in the Zhytomyr region. Also, they noted valuable assistance in implementing the decision to finance two projects of the Olena Zelenska Foundation to create School of Superheroes educational centres in Chernihiv and Cherkasy thanks to the Camoes Institute.
The parties also examined the issues related to Ukraine's European integration. Oleksandr Korniienko highlighted the importance of Portugal's support for this process. In his turn, Paulo Rangel assured the Ukrainian side that Portugal would facilitate Ukraine's accession to the European Union. "Ukraine demonstrates incredible resilience, maintaining the full work of the parliament even under martial law. It is a critical indicator of your state's commitment to democracy. That is why Portugal strongly supports this process and even advocates for its acceleration," Paulo Rangel emphasized.