International activities of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine of the 8th convocation during the 5th plenary session were centered on efforts to de-occupy Crimea and Donbas (see infographic). The results of international activities of the Parliament during the 5th session were substantial. Firstly, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted all necessary laws to introduce visa free regime for Ukrainians. Secondly, representatives of the Ukrainian Parliament organised a high-level conference between the European Parliament and the Verkovna Rada (in Brussels, Belgium). Thirdly, a common resolution on remembrance and solidarity was concluded with the Sejm of the Republic of Poland. The work of inter-parliamentary assemblies resulted in prevention of the return of the Russian delegation to PACE.
The leadership of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine led multiple high-level bilateral meetings.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine had 111 meetings with international partners. In addition, the Chairman made 8 international visits. The First Deputy Chair of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine had 19 meetings with international counterparts and the Deputy Chair of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine – 9.
Additionally, 9 heads and deputy heads of foreign parliaments and 17 foreign parliamentary delegations visited their Ukrainian counterparts. Leaders of interparliamentary delegations conducted trips to Ukraine 4 times.
International activities of the Ukrainian parliament were mostly focused on de-occupation of Crimea and parts of Donbas region. Special attention was paid to Ukraine’s work at inter-parliamentary assemblies: NATO PA, OSCE PA, PACE, EURONEST and BSEC. Significant contribution was made in fostering international cooperation within NATO and the UN. Moreover, the scope of activities focused on development of energy and cultural diplomacy and attraction of foreign direct investments.
Inforgraphic was developed by “Slovo i Dilo” information agency based on data collected from the Secretariat of the Parliament of Ukraine.