“Our states have come a long way to becoming independent. For us, these are not just words – Ukraine really understands what it is like to fight for sovereignty and territorial integrity, to defend its interests both with arms in hand and in the international arena. We appreciate Lithuania's support on the international stage,” noted Dmytro Razumkov.
The Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament noted the high efficiency of cooperation between Ukraine and Lithuania. “This is our joint work in the inter-parliamentary Assemblies, and cooperation within the framework of the Baltic Plus in the Council of Europe and in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). This mechanism has been effective for many years and helps to defend our common interests, democratic principles and move forward, remembering the past, building the future,” he said.
Dmytro Razumkov stressed that relations between Lithuania and Ukraine remain friendly. “The coronavirus pandemic has affected the format of relations between the states, but the friendship between Ukraine and Lithuania is always sincere. Our common values and interests, which are defended by both Ukraine and Lithuania, remain stable,” noted the Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament.
The Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada thanked Lithuania for its support in the struggle for sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. “The armistice in eastern Ukraine lasts for 42 days, but, unfortunately, on September 6, we again suffered losses at the front. We face many challenges, and only together we will be able to overcome everything. We are sincerely grateful to Lithuania for its help in treating 282 of our military personnel and for supporting the reconstruction of the school in Avdiivka. We understand how difficult it is for you and important for us,” Dmytro Razumkov said.
The Speakers also discussed the situation in Belarus. “Ukraine's position has been repeatedly voiced and fully reflects the relevant policies of other democracies. Elections must be fair, recognized within the country, and abroad. It is essential for Ukraine that Belarus be democratic, free and independent country. Ukraine has felt for itself what the events we are witnessing today in Belarus can lead to – armed aggression has been going on in the east of our country for the seventh year, part of our territory has been occupied. That is why I sincerely wish the Belarusian people to prevent such a thing on their territory,” Dmytro Razumkov emphasized.
The Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada also said that next week the Ukrainian Parliament would consider a draft statement on the events in Belarus. “I hope at the beginning of the plenary week, this issue will be considered, and we will be able to discuss it and make a balanced, correct decision that will defend the sovereignty and independence of Belarus,” he noted.