March 4, 2016

Verkhovna Rada first vice-chair visits Ottawa

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At a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (from left) are: Ukraine’s Ambassador to Canada Andriy Shevchenko, Verkhovna Rada First Vice-Chairman Andriy Parubiy, Mr. Trudeau and Member of the Parliament of Canada Borys Wrzesnewskyj.

OTTAWA – The first vice-chairman of Ukraine’s Parliament, Andriy Parubiy, held a number of fruitful meetings with Canadian government officials and politicians, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, during a late February visit to Ottawa.

During his meeting with a group of senators led by the chair of the Committee of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Raynell Andreychuk, issues related to strengthening the defensive capacity of Ukraine, as well as systematic violations of human rights by terrorists in the occupied territories in eastern Ukraine and on the illegally annexed Crimean peninsula were discussed. Also discussed were the prospects for further development of trade and economic relations between the two countries, particularly in the context of the signing and implementation of the Free Trade Agreement between Canada and Ukraine in 2016.

During his meeting with the leader of the opposition in the Canadian Parliament, Rona Ambrose, and members of the Conservative caucus, Mr. Parubiy spoke about Ukraine’s needs in the military and defense sector, and reported on the sustainable progress of Ukraine’s reforms.

Mr. Parubiy had a brief meeting with Prime Minister Trudeau and Minister of Defense Harjit S. Sajjan. The emphasis was on the need to support Ukraine in the defense sphere, via provision of military equipment, joint training and continuing training missions.

As a result of Mr. Parubiy’s meetings in Ottawa, it was agreed that a Ukraine-Canada Group of Friendship in the Canadian Parliament would be established (on a multiparty basis).

At the end of the visit, Mr. Parubiy took part in a commemorative event at the Parliament of Canada that was dedicated to the Heavenly Brigade, the Maidan activists killed in February 2014 by forces loyal to then President Viktor Yanukovych.

The UCC issued a statement on the occasion of the Day of Commemoration of the Heroes of the Heavenly Brigade, which was marked in Ukraine on February 20. (The full text appears on page 6 of this issue.)

The UCC underscored: “Over 100 people – the Heavenly Hundred [Heavenly Brigade] gave their lives so that the people of Ukraine can live in dignity with a government that respects their human rights. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. The victory of Ukraine’s Revolution of Dignity will forever stand as an example to us all of courage, determination and unity.”

Sources: Embassy of Ukraine in Canada, Ukrainian Canadian Congress.

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