National Council President Sobotka in conversation with Verkhovna Rada Chairman Stefanchuk
Vienna (PK) – National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka welcomed his Ukrainian counterpart, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk, to the House on Monday afternoon. Stefanchuk is in Vienna on the occasion of the 9th Conference of Speakers of Parliament on the EU Strategy for the Danube Region. In recent years, several high-level meetings have taken place between representatives of Ukraine and Austria. In the exchange between the speakers of parliament, the close bilateral relations and the strong solidarity between Austria and Ukraine, which still has to resist the Russian attack, were highlighted.
Sobotka: Ukraine’s participation in the Danube Region Conference is an important signal
Sobotka was pleased with Stefanchuk’s visit and emphasized that it was of great symbolic importance that Ukraine took part in the meeting of the states of the Danube region. The Austrian position on Ukraine is clear and unchanged. Austria has already provided a lot of financial and humanitarian aid and there is a clear commitment from four parliamentary groups in the House to continue this. The President of the National Council asked his Ukrainian counterpart about his assessment of the current situation and his further assessment of the developments and challenges facing the country.
Stefanchuk: Thanks for Austria’s support and solidarity
Stefanchuk thanked Austria for the support. He fondly remembers Sobotka’s visit to Ukraine last September. He was particularly pleased about the statement that Austria was neutral, but not “indifferent”. The humanitarian aid that Austria offers is essential. He still sees potential in parliamentary cooperation. For example, Austria’s support in setting up a visitor center for the Verkhovna Rada would be very welcome.
Russia has recently increased its attacks on the civilian population in Ukraine, Stefanchuk reported. However, he will not succeed in demoralizing the Ukrainian population, because they understand that defense efforts must continue and be strengthened. Although the situation remains difficult, there are also clear successes. The Ukrainian guest explained that around 90% of Ukrainian grain exports could now be processed via the ports on the Black Sea and the Danube.
Sobotka emphasized that most Austrian companies that were active in Ukraine before the war have remained there and want to continue their economic involvement and contribute to the reconstruction of Ukraine. As part of parliamentary relations, Austria could contribute expertise for the establishment of a parliamentary visitor center. Humanitarian aid could be provided in the form of supporting rescue workers, caring for the wounded and rehabilitating war victims, Sobotka explained. Austria is also ready to make its contribution at the EU level so that European aid and support continues to be provided for Ukraine. (final) sox
A NOTICE: Photos of this this visit can be found in the Parliament web portal.
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