Today The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine hosted the first parliamentary conference "Ukraine - Latin American and Caribbean States: Cooperation for the Future."
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk, expressed gratitude to the participants of the event for their courage and solidarity during his speech at the opening of the Conference. He noted that the arrival of parliamentarians to Kyiv during the war was an important manifestation of support for Ukraine in its struggle for independence. He highlighted that this meeting was a unique historical event because, for the first time, the parliaments of Ukraine and the Latin American and Caribbean regions joined forces to develop inter-parliamentary relations.
"Your arrival is a high manifestation of parliamentary solidarity, which will certainly become an extraordinary milestone in the history of our relations, as well as a pledge of strengthening our friendship and cooperation," Ruslan Stefanchuk emphasized.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine also noted the significant contribution of Ukrainian deputies to the organization of the conference and the development of cooperation with the region's countries, highlighting that interparliamentary interaction is an important element of the interstate partnership.
During his speech, Ruslan Stefanchuk called on the parliaments of the participating countries to actively disseminate truthful information regarding the situation in Ukraine, counter Russian propaganda, and support the global struggle for truth. He emphasized that only by joint efforts will the world be able to restore justice, calling truth a powerful weapon in this struggle.
“I ask each of you to become a carrier and champion of truthful and important information to counter Russian narratives, refute the lies spread by the aggressor, and stand firm against criminal enemy propaganda. Ukraine needs such a weapon today as truth. And I know that you can give it to us,” the Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament noted.
He also pointed up the Peace Formula proposed by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, which aims to ensure a settlement of the war.
“I call on you and your parliaments to join its implementation, becoming carriers and champions of a fair and sustainable peace in the world,” said Ruslan Stefanchuk.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada informed the conference participants about the complicated situation on the front, in particular, about the intensive fighting and new waves of Russian attacks, including an attack with a new ballistic missile, which brings a serious threat to Ukrainian infrastructure and the civilian population. He also called on the countries participating in the Conference to strengthen their voices in the United Nations to counter Russian aggression.
“I ask you and your countries to strengthen their voices in the United Nations, of which, by the way, Ukraine is a co-founder. The world cannot tolerate either Russia’s veto in the UN Security Council or the Organization’s silence when it has no right to remain silent,” Ruslan Stefanchuk insisted.
He also expressed hope that Latin American and Caribbean countries would become active participants in Ukraine's post-war reconstruction. According to him, Ukraine will need support in humanitarian demining, reconstruction of housing, schools, hospitals, and critical infrastructure.
In conclusion, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada emphasized the enormous potential for cooperation between Ukraine and the countries of the region in the political, economic and humanitarian spheres. He expressed confidence that the Conference would become the starting point for a new stage of bilateral relations based on shared values and the desire for peace and prosperity.
After finishing his speech, Ruslan Stefanchuk gave the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine awards to parliamentarians from Latin America and the Caribbean.
