“Ukraine and Austria have become even closer friends through the humanitarian corridor,” -- Vice speaker Olena Kondratiuk stated
The development of Ukrainian-Austrian bilateral relations, intensification of inter-parliamentary cooperation and equal opportunities for women's participation in politics - these were the issues to discuss during a working meeting of the Deputy Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Olena Kondratiuk with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Austria to Ukraine Gernot Pfandler.
"On behalf of the Ukrainian parliament, I would like to express my gratitude for the humanitarian corridor that the Austrian government rendered to Ukrainian citizens during the coronavirus outbreak. Thanks to this, thousands of Ukrainian citizens went home quickly and safely to their relatives and friends. This has brought our countries even closer,” Olena Kondratiuk underlined.
Participants of the meeting shared experiences in battling COVID-19 and discussed the need to brisk up Ukrainian-Austrian bilateral and inter-parliamentary cooperation after lifting all quarantine restrictions.
"I do hope that the Ukraine-Austria parliamentary group on inter-parliamentary relations will soon start its fruitful work with Austrian colleagues. We are looking forward to the visit of the President of Ukraine to Austria and a follow-up swap of working visits at the level of parliamentary committees," O. Kondratiuk stressed.
The issue of seasonal workers from Ukraine who intend to work in Austria was raised as well. Olena Kondratiuk stressed the importance of creating appropriate and safe working conditions for the Ukrainian workers, as well as their social protection under the coronavirus disease spread. In turn, Gernot Pfandler stressed that Austria is interested in workers from Ukraine and is ready to create favourable living conditions for them.
The vice speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and the Ambassador of Austria to Ukraine also touched upon the issue of ensuring equal rights and opportunities for women, in particular, their participation in politics. Gernot Pfandler noted Ukraine's significant progress in this direction. According to him, this is a positive trend that brings Ukraine closer to European standards.
The vice speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament also thanked Austria for its support of Ukraine in connection with the Russian aggression.
"International support at the level of parliaments and governments is very important for Ukraine. We do appreciate Austria's position on this issue," Olena Kondratiuk underscored in conclusion.