We strive for justice, return of all territories within internationally recognised borders and responsibility for unprovoked aggression
On 16 August 2024, the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Korniienko met with a delegation of the Brenthurst Foundation (South Africa). The meeting was also attended by Hryhorii Nemyria, the Member of Parliament of Ukraine, First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Foreign Policy.
At the beginning of the meeting, the First Vice-Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament focused on the current security situation and the work of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine in the context of a full-scale invasion and cooperation with the countries of the African continent.
“In this extremely difficult time for our country, despite russia's military aggression against our country, the Ukrainian Parliament continues to work. We are working even more intensively than we did before the great invasion,” said Oleksandr Korniienko.
He emphasised the systematic and regular work of the Parliament in the process of fulfilling Ukraine's commitments to the European Union membership. ‘I am honoured to be a member of the Ukrainian delegation for the conclusion of the EU Accession Agreement,’ said Oleksandr Korniienko, noting the active inter-parliamentary cooperation with the EU and international countries.
The First Vice-Speaker also drew attention to the effectiveness of the President Zelenskyi's Peace Formula platform, which offers ways to achieve a just end to the war waged by russia against Ukraine. According to Oleksandr Korniienko, its main provisions are reflected in the UN General Assembly Resolution ‘Principles of the UN Charter underpinning a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine’, which was adopted on 23 February 2023. This document was voted for by 141 countries.
During the meeting with the Brenthurst Foundation delegation, the protection of global food security was also discussed. In this context, Oleksandr Korniienko informed the representatives of the Republic of South Africa about the conditions in which Ukrainian farmers have to cultivate fields and harvest crops (land occupation, mining, missile attacks). “Even in the immediate vicinity of the frontline, when missiles and bombs are flying and a difficult atmosphere prevails, farmers are actively working, using the fields to grow crops,” he said.
The First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine assured that Ukraine remains the guarantor of the world's food security and spoke about the results of the Grain from Ukraine programme. The programme is a Ukrainian humanitarian initiative (launched by the President of Ukraine on 26 November 2022) that brings together dozens of countries and international organisations to help countries affected by food shortages.
“For Ukrainians, the war began with the illegal annexation of Crimea. We seek justice, the return of all territories within internationally recognised borders and accountability for unprovoked aggression. Together with the world, we have every opportunity to achieve this,” Oleksandr Korniienko concluded.
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The Brenthurst Foundation is a leading African think tank focused primarily on developing the economic potential of the African continent. Founded in 2004 by the Oppenheimer family, the Foundation has established itself as an authoritative participant in the development of policy for the economic development of African countries. The Foundation's stated mission is to support and promote ideas that will improve the economic prospects and well-being of the people of Africa. It seeks to be a catalyst for change by promoting innovative approaches to economic growth, governance and development.
The Foundation conducts research on economic policies and their impact on African economies, provides strategic advice to African governments and institutions on economic issues, promotes the development of African leaders and policy makers through their participation in training and information exchange programmes, and facilitates discussion on solutions to the continent's most pressing economic challenges.