In the period of February 8-9, a delegation of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Foreign Affairs headed by Chairperson of the Committee Hanna Hopko, her deputies Ivanna Klympush-Tsyntsadze and Ihor Huz is staying in the Republic of Bulgaria on a working visit. There, the Ukrainian delegation is taking part in an international conference entitled "Democratic security based on European unity and co-operation."
This event takes part within the framework of presidency of the Republic of Bulgaria in the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in the period of November 2015 - May 2016. Other participants in the event are heads of foreign affairs committees from Council of Europe member countries.
The Ukrainian parliamentarians met with Foreign Affairs Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria and incumbent head of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe Daniel Mitov. The Parties discussed peaceful settlement of the situation in the east of Ukraine, protection of human rights in Russia-annexed Crimea, the progress of implementation of domestic systemic reforms and use of Bulgarian experience. Besides, the Parties considered prospects of development of Ukrainian-Bulgarian relations, inter alia interparliamentary dialogue in 2016. The Ukrainian parliamentarians informed about violation of the Minsk agreements by the Russia-supported terrorists. Moreover, the people's deputies of Ukraine told about the decentralization of power and the progress of combating corruption.
The foreign affairs minister of Bulgaria said his country supports territorial integrity of our state, introduction of visa-free regime for the Ukrainian citizens, and also expressed readiness of the official Sofia to assist in holding of reforms.
In the course of the negotiation, it was pointed to the active position of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in issues of counteracting to Russian aggression. The Parties noted compulsory implementation of the statutory requirements by all Council of Europe member countries, including the Russian Federation.
Besides, the Ukrainian delegation members met with the activists of the Ukrainian community in Bulgaria. They exchanged ideas about cultural, social, information, educational and language needs of the Ukrainians, further voluntary assistance provided for Ukrainian servicemen, etc.
Today, within the framework of the international conference entitled "Democratic security based on European unity and co-operation," the Ukrainian parliamentary delegation intends to present Ukraine's position touching the necessity for involvement of the Council of Europe in settlement of the situation in the east of Ukraine, return of Russia-annexed Crimea, which would mean restoration of sovereignty and territorial integrity of our state.
Besides, the program of the Verkhovna Rada delegation visit envisions meetings with Head of the Commission of the National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria on support of Bulgarians abroad, and members of the Commission on February 9.