KYIV – Ukraine’s President Petro Poroshenko met with Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) leaders – President Eugene Czolij and Secretary General Stefan Romaniw – and Ukrainian Canadian Congress President Pavlo Grod in Kyiv on June 10.
Mr. Poroshenko noted that the UWC is a powerful force in the protection of Ukraine’s interests in the world. “It is a pleasure that we coordinate our efforts in various spheres so efficiently,” the president said, adding that this relates in particular to the issues of volunteer assistance to the military and provision of technical equipment to Ukrainian troops.
Mr. Poroshenko noted the necessity of countering Russian propaganda and promoting objective information on events in Ukraine. “Telling the truth to people all over the world is an extremely important mission not only for the Ukrainian president, Foreign Affairs Ministry, government and civil organizations, but also for the diaspora, the opinion of which plays a significant role,” he emphasized.
The president once again noted the importance of powerful armed forces, and the unity and solidarity of the Ukrainian nation inside the country and all over the world, as well as global partners’ strong position of support for Ukraine. “We must work on it every day,” Mr. Poroshenko added.
He positively evaluated the results of the G-7 summit concerning support for Ukraine, noting not only its position on the necessity of compliance with the Minsk agreements, but also the G-7’s stand that the annexation of Crimea was illegal.
The president urged the Ukrainian World Congress to intensify efforts in advocating the interests of Ukraine regarding its European orientation, disseminating information on the implementation of reforms, countering Russian propaganda and supporting the ratification of Ukraine’s Association Agreement with the European Union. Mr. Poroshenko said the latter process is not a simple formal procedure, but an “important political process that demonstrates recognition of the European aspirations of Ukrainians.”
Mr. Poroshenko also highlighted the importance of a visa-free regime for Ukrainians not only with the countries of the EU, but also with Canada, Japan and Australia.
He pointed to the need for specialists on psychological aid to the military and demobilized warriors and spoke of his directive on the implementation of initiatives by volunteers with military experience in Iraq and other military conflicts.
In turn, UWC President Czolij reported that the Ukrainian World Congress had established a mission in Ukraine in order to better coordinate actions. The established council includes Ukrainian diaspora representatives from 48 countries.
Mr. Czolij congratulated Mr. Poroshenko on the first anniversary of his presidency and presented him with an icon of St. Nicholas. “We hope that St. Nicholas will give you health, strength and endurance to protect the territorial integrity of Ukraine and make Ukraine an independent, confident and democratic European state,” he said.