Summary of the working visit of the First Deputy Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Korniyenko to Romania

Informatiion Department
Published on 15 June 2022, at 07:36

On Tuesday, June 14, First Deputy Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Korniyenko paid a working visit to Romania.

The key issues discussed with speakers and deputies of national parliaments and representatives of the executive power were:
- granting Ukraine the status of a candidate country for accession to the European Union
- military and economic support
- reconstruction of Ukrainian territories
- sanctions policy
- bringing russia to justice for war crimes

During the meeting with the Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania, Iulian Fota, Oleksandr Korniyenko expressed gratitude for the diverse support of Ukraine, in particular, all sanctions packages.

"Unfortunately, russia's potential is not being exhausted as quickly as we would like, and every dollar, or cent, paid for a barrel of russian oil is a projectile or a missile flying to Ukraine. Therefore, it is crucial that all decisions that are currently being made in favor of Ukraine are made sooner, " the First Vice-Speaker stressed.

He also thanked Romania for setting an example to other countries in terms of energy independence from russia and diplomatic activities in support of symbolic acts and resolutions for Ukraine.

According to the visit program, the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament held the next working meetings with the Speakers of two Chambers of the Romanian Parliament: the Chamber of Deputies – Marcel Ciolacu, and the Senate – Florin Citu.

First of all, they raised the issue of obtaining Ukraine's candidate status for membership in the European Union. Oleksandr Korniyenko stressed that Ukraine expects Romania to "continue the policy of supporting its European integration intentions and advocating this aspiration among other countries."

In addition, the First Vice-Speaker asked the Romanian Parliament to adopt a resolution recognizing the crimes committed by russia in Ukraine today as genocide.

- In turn, the Speaker of the Romanian Senate, Florin Citu, stressed that the Senate was one of the first to support Ukraine in the war with russia and today is ready to support Ukraine's European integration intentions, but with a "clear plan of steps to be implemented over time.

- The Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Marcel Ciolacu, stressed that Romania should take on the role of a regional hub to ensure the stability and development of Eastern Europe and the Black Sea region: "The first step in this direction is the reconstruction of Ukraine." He also stressed that Ukraine needs to quickly organize a commercial, economic and humanitarian team to facilitate the reconstruction process.

Oleksandr Korniyenko and Marcel Ciolacu also took part in the opening of the photo exhibition "Chronicles of the russian Invasion of Ukraine 2022: Beginning" by Max Levin, a military photojournalist brutally killed by the russian occupiers in the Mezhyhirya district of Kyiv region.

"Thanks to his dedicated work, the whole world saw the horrors that took place and, unfortunately, continue in Ukraine - in the East and South of the country," said Oleksandr Korniyenko.

Finally, the First Deputy Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine met with the Minister of National Defense of Romania, Vasile Dincu.

The parties discussed cooperation in the military-technical sphere. Vasile Dincu reaffirmed Romania's support for the Ukrainian people both in the issue of sanctions against the unprovoked, brutal and illegal aggression of the russian federation against Ukraine and in the humanitarian protection of the victims.

Tomorrow, June 15, Oleksandr Korniyenko will pay a working visit to the Republic of Malta and, on June 16, to the Italian Republic.