Oleksandr Korniienko, First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, attended the International Partnership Forum ‘Friends of Ukraine,’ which was organised to foster cooperation between Ukrainian communities and their international partners.

---

The event brought together participants from over ten countries, as well as representatives from various regions of Ukraine. The main topics covered included the restoration of the country and its accession to the European Union.

The organisers of the forum — the Mayors’ Club and the Dobrobat volunteer movement — emphasised the importance of international support for Ukraine, which has been fighting for a European future for over ten years. They also emphasised the need to strengthen ties between Ukrainian communities and their European counterparts by fostering twinning arrangements and joint projects.

Oleksandr Khorniienko noted:

‘Strengthening horizontal ties will always be important, and forums like this help with achieving that. Local self-government plays a significant role in enhancing people’s quality of life, and it is communities that continue to strengthen Ukraine.’

 

 

The Forum participants discussed the rights and opportunities that EU membership would open up for Ukraine, as well as the important steps that need to be taken now to achieve this goal. Oleksandr Korniienko has stated that there are thousands of projects in Ukraine today that need to be implemented in close cooperation with European partners.

‘These are thousands of real projects that we must implement jointly with our European colleagues. With their expertise, vision, and funding. But most importantly, we must work together, strengthening each other. Europe needs Ukraine. And Europe has already realised this,’ said Oleksandr Korniienko.

The First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada also thanked the organisers of the Forum and Ukrainians who continue to work on developing their communities despite the difficulties they face.

‘Horizontal links, particularly through local self-government and community initiatives, yield significant results when state resources are limited,’ he emphasised.

Oleksandr Kornienko noted that Ukraine’s accession to the EU should entail real changes that will raise living standards across the country, rather than being merely a declaration. He emphasised the importance of taking concrete steps at a local level by cooperating more closely with European partners.

‘We must work together to develop our country and strengthen stability through partnerships and the exchange of experiences,’ concluded Oleksandr Korniienko.

During a Q&A session, Oleksandr Korniienko discussed with representatives of communities the important issues of international cooperation, the financial capacity of communities, the involvement of experts and the restoration of infrastructure.

The First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada expressed his gratitude to international partners for supporting Ukraine on its path to European integration, emphasising the importance of partnership during these challenging times.

‘These ties are important not only for the development of traditional cooperation, but also for strengthening joint efforts on the path to peace and European prospects,’ he added.