Ukraine shares the values and goals of the OECD and works to join the Working Group on Combating Bribery in International Business Transactions, — Oleksandr Korniienko took part in the plenary meeting of the Organization

Oleksandr Korniienko, the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, participated in the plenary meeting of the OECD Global Parliamentary Network (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development). The Ukrainian delegation also included MPs Halyna Mykhailiuk, Volodymyr Tsabal, and Viktoriia Siumar.

"OECD Global Parliamentary Network is a global and open community, the participants of which, in particular, gather to exchange best legislative practices and strive to improve state policy to enhance people's lives," — noted the First Vice-Speaker of the Parliament.

The meeting, which took place from February 5 to 7 at the OECD headquarters in Paris, was dedicated to discussing key issues in the global economy, such as the development of artificial intelligence, energy, climate change, and other pressing global challenges.

The first day of the plenary session covered discussions on the global economic outlook, adaptation to climate change, ensuring sustainability and the OECD development strategy. Matthias Kormann, the Organization Secretary-General, has opened the event.

"The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development works to create better policies for a more reasonable life. At the same time, it is a unique knowledge centre that provides data, analytics and the most successful practices in the field of public policy. Ukraine moves towards membership in the Organization and seeks to become its full-fledged part," the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine emphasized.

According to him, Ukraine shares the Organization's values, goals, and functions to join the Working Group on Combating Bribery in International Business Transactions. "We are taking all the necessary steps for this. We are demonstrating our capabilities and can become reliable partners on the path of change," noted Oleksandr Korniienko.

During the visit, the Ukrainian parliamentary delegation held several bilateral meetings with parliamentary delegations from other countries.

"In all conversations, colleagues were interested in the issues of negotiations and conditions — what Ukraine will agree to. Our opinion is unchanged — only powerful security guarantees for our state, in particular, accession to NATO, and the concept of Peace through Strength can provide such an expected and just peace," said Oleksandr Korniienko.

At the meeting with a great friend of Ukraine, Marshal of the Polish Senate of the 10th convocation Tomasz Grodzki, support for Ukraine during the Polish presidency of the Council of the EU was discussed. They paid special attention to Ukrainian European integration regarding the completed tasks, the current stage and further plans, and the strengthening of military assistance to counter russian aggression.

"I thanked the representatives of Japan for all the financial and humanitarian support in this difficult time. We discussed possible mechanisms for continuing stability in financing the Ukrainian budget. "Also, a firm position on frozen russian assets within the G7 is very valuable for us," the First Vice-Speaker said.

During a meeting with the Mexican parliamentary delegation, Oleksandr Korniienko informed about the consequences of the constant missile attacks that the russian aggressor is carrying out on Ukrainian cities, causing numerous casualties among the civilian population, including children. Separately, the forcible deportation of Ukrainian children to the territory of the russian federation was highlighted, which is a gross violation of international law. Ukraine is making every effort to return them to their homes. As the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine underlined, the truth about the crimes of the russian federation must spread throughout the world, including in Latin American countries.

An exchange of views on security guarantees for our state took place with the delegation of Sweden, a country that is one of the biggest contributors to the security of Ukraine. Joint business projects, particularly in the military-tech segment, were also discussed. Oleksandr Korniienko expressed gratitude to Sweden for supporting the European integration of Ukraine and for promoting reforms, particularly in decentralization.

The dialogue between the Ukrainian parliamentary delegation and representatives of Norway focused on creating an attractive investment climate for the development of military technologies. During the meeting, the Ukrainian side emphasized that security guarantees for Ukraine are one of the main steps towards establishing a just peace. "I expressed gratitude for the fair decision on financial support for our state in a situation where we particularly need it," the First Vice-Speaker noted.

On the sidelines of the OECD, parliamentarians of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine discussed with their colleagues from the Czech Republic issues of the arms supplies, continued assistance to Ukraine, and the importance of the stability of the message of support for our country within NATO. Separately, the discussion focused on themes such as internally displaced individuals, the creation of the Ministry of Unity, and its future tasks. Oleksandr Korniienko informed about the main decisions adopted by the Ukrainian Parliament over the past year. "From the first days of the full-scale invasion, the Czech Republic has been with us — we thank our reliable partners," he stressed.

The Ukrainian side discussed the issue of the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine in the context of the upcoming Ukraine Recovery Conference, which will be in Rome with the Italian delegation. "The parliamentary dimension of the Conference is important, as it allows us to deepen cooperation and determine the necessary steps at the legislative level," the First Vice-Speaker said, informing foreign colleagues about the path to membership of Ukraine in the OECD Working Group on Combating Bribery in International Business Transactions.

During a conversation with representatives of the United Kingdom, Oleksandr Korniienko drew attention to the recent ratification by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine of the Framework Agreement between the governments of the two countries on official credit support for the development of defence capabilities of Ukraine. He noted that Ukraine expresses gratitude to the United Kingdom for the support and assistance provided in times of war. "We know we always have reliable friends who strive for peace. We agreed that time is one of the decisive factors in the struggle. We must make all decisions without delay," summed up the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.