We, Ukrainians, should use the new conditions and changes in the world as an opportunity to achieve our goals – a just peace, a strong Europe, security guarantees, – the First Vice Speaker Oleksandr Korniienko concludes working visit to Switzerland
24 January 2025, 09:00
On 21-23 January, the First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Korniienko took part in discussions and panel debates at the Ukrainian House events in Davos (Switzerland). These events were held in the context of the annual World Economic Forum.
Within the framework of the project ‘YOUR COUNTRY FIRST – WIN WITH US’, Oleksandr Korniienko met with Jacques Gerber, delegate of the Swiss Federal Council for Ukraine. The First Vice-Speaker informed his colleague about Ukraine’s active European integration path and the role of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine in the relevant negotiation process. “I stressed the importance of restoring our country from the consequences of a full-scale invasion. I spoke about initiated projects and experience of horizontal cooperation. I gave an example of cooperation between Estonia and Zhytomyr region. I suggested considering the possibility of such cooperation between our countries,” the First Vice Speaker said. In turn, Jacques Gerber spoke about plans to launch funding projects in the following areas: reconstruction, civil service, and digitalisation.
During the meeting, Oleksandr Korniienko also outlined possible areas for the development of cooperation between Ukraine and Switzerland in the energy, construction and military-tech sectors. “I am grateful for our dialogue and support. I look forward to our meetings in Kyiv, in the Verkhovna Rada!” he said.
The First Vice-Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament also met with the President of the National Council of the Federal Assembly of the Swiss Confederation, Maja Riniker. The parties discussed areas of interparliamentary cooperation in various fields. “First of all, we visited the exhibition ‘YOUR COUNTRY FIRST – WIN WITH US’, then had a productive conversation on inter-parliamentary cooperation and interaction at the country level. I stressed that our country’s priority is all military issues. In particular, it is assistance to the Ukrainian army. It is important for our brave warriors to see real support from the world and action. After all, they are defending not only our land but also democratic values,” said Oleksandr Korniienko.
During a special discussion in Davos, the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada discussed Ukraine’s path to NATO with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland Elina Valtonen. In particular, they discussed the consensus on the decision to join the Alliance. “I thanked her for all the strong support of Finland over the past three years. This is one of the examples of determination and courage – to help as much as possible,” said Oleksandr Korniienko.
During the discussion on ‘Breaking the World Order or a Chance for Renewal?’ The First Vice-Speaker said the following: “We, the Ukrainians, should use the new conditions and changes in the world as an opportunity to achieve our goals – a just peace, a strong Europe, and security guarantees. After all, our main aspirations remain unchanged – to end the aggression, establish sustainable peace and become full members of the EU and NATO.”
Oleksandr Korniienko thanked all partners for supporting Ukraine during the years of russia’s full-scale invasion of our country. “Our synergy can lead to the results we all need,” he concluded.
