The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk met with his colleague, the Speaker of the Assembly of the Republic of Portugal José Pedro Aguiar-Branco
During the meeting, on the eve of the Summit of NATO Parliament Speakers, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine voiced two key messages important for our country: the importance of continuing defence support for Ukraine and support for our country on its path to NATO membership.
"Membership in the Alliance is a strategic goal for Ukraine. And from the anniversary Summit of NATO Heads of State and Government, Ukraine expects decisions that will bring us closer to the Alliance. On this path, the support of the parliaments of NATO member states is extremely important for Ukraine," the Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament stressed.
Ruslan Stefanchuk briefed his counterpart on the situation at the frontline and informed about the consequences of the russian terrorists' attack on the children's hospital in Kyiv.
The parties also discussed the issues of restoring Ukraine. Ruslan Stefanchuk thanked José Pedro Aguiar-Branco for his cooperation and the reconstruction of educational institutions in Zhytomyr region. Separately, the Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament offered to take patronage of the Portuguese Parliament over the reconstruction of civilian objects destroyed by russia in Ukraine.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine also expressed gratitude to Portugal for the comprehensive support already provided to Ukraine – defence, humanitarian and financial, as well as political decisions taken in support of Ukraine. "I would also like to express special words of gratitude for sheltering Ukrainians who have suffered from this war," said Ruslan Stefanchuk.
In conclusion, Ruslan Stefanchuk expressed his gratitude to Portugal for its active participation in the activities of the International Crimean Platform. "We hope that our joint work in this format will continue," the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine stressed. Ruslan Stefanchuk invited his colleague to take part in this year's third Parliamentary Summit of the Crimean Platform, which will be held on 23-24 October in Riga, Latvia.