Results of the working visit of the First Deputy Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Korniyenko to the Italian Republic

Informatiion Department
Published on 17 June 2022, at 11:03

On Wednesday, June 16, Oleksandr Korniyenko, First Deputy Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, paid a working visit to the Italian Republic.

The main topics of the working meetings were Ukraine's candidacy for membership in the European Union, the food crisis, and humanitarian support.

Firstly, Oleksandr Korniyenko met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy Benedetto Della Vedova and expressed gratitude to Italian diplomacy for supporting Ukraine in such a difficult time.

The First Deputy Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine informed that Ukraine currently holds its defense on three fronts: military, economic, and diplomatic. He also stressed that the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the occupied territories is serious and very unpleasant for Ukraine. russia uses tools aimed at violating human rights in these territories.

For his part, the Foreign Minister of the Italian Republic noted that Italy is “very concerned about the situation in Ukraine, as well as the violence committed against civilians and the military. "We are concerned about the situation in Donbas, in particular, in Severodonetsk."

"The humanitarian situation related to the population living in the territories subject to bombing and shelling by russia is also alarming," he added.

Benedetto Della Vedova also stressed that the issue of partnership and its strengthening in the preservation and protection of cultural heritage is of interest.

"Italy can provide support in rebuilding and reconstructing infrastructure," the official suggested.

During a working meeting with the leader of the Democratic Party of Italy, Enrico Letta, the parties discussed support for Ukraine's candidacy for membership in the European Union, as well as the continuation of meaningful and active interparliamentary cooperation between Ukraine and the Italian Republic.

Then, according to the plan of the working visit, Oleksandr Korniyenko met with the Deputy Minister of Defense of Italy, Stefania Pucciarelli.

The official stressed that the Italian Republic has stepped up from the very beginning and has done everything possible to support the Ukrainian people. She also thanked all Ukrainians who are defending the democratic world today.

"Italy has provided direct fast assistance to Ukraine, especially in terms of accepting temporary refugees," said the Deputy Minister of Defense and said that the Ministers of Defense of Ukraine and Italy are in close working contact.

In addition, the First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine held a working meeting with representatives of the two chambers of the Italian Parliament – the Speaker of the Italian Chamber of Deputies Roberto Fico and the Speaker of the Italian Senate, Elisabetta Casellati.

Among the main issues are humanitarian support, resolution of the food crisis caused by russia's blockade of Black Sea ports, and diplomatic resolution of the war.

The Speaker of the Italian Chamber of Deputies noted that Ukraine and Europe have a joint commitment to resolving the conflict. He also stressed that "diplomatic efforts should not be spared to achieve a ceasefire – a necessary precondition for the restoration of peace with full respect for the Ukrainian people."

For her part, the Speaker of the Italian Senate stressed that the Italian Republic immediately condemned russia's aggression against Ukraine and opened humanitarian corridors for the reception of temporary refugees.

"Italy has always been a country of solidarity, so everything has been done so that Ukrainians can integrate into society," she added.

? Also, during his working visit to the Italian Republic, Oleksandr Korniyenko met with Ugo Cappellacci, Chairman of the Interparliamentary Friendship Group with Italy.