May 31, 2019

President Zelensky addresses heads of foreign delegations

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Rick Perry/Twitter

President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska with U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry and the U.S. delegation attending the inauguration, which included U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations Kurt Volker, U.S. Ambassador to the European Union Gordon D. Sondland, the National Security Council’s Director for European Affairs Alexander Vindman and Deputy Chief of Mission for the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine Joseph Pennington.

Following is the opening address by President Volodymyr Zelensky on May 20 at the reception for heads of foreign delegations attending his inauguration.

We are glad to welcome you on the Ukrainian land! Ukrainians are a very hospitable people. From time eternal we have always welcomed guests having good intentions with a sincere heart and open arms.

Today, I have a lot of emotions, but there are two most vivid ones.

The first one is gratitude. I am grateful first of all for the fact that you were able to come to Kyiv on such a short notice. I am grateful to all international partners for helping Ukraine conduct fair democratic elections.

I am glad that together we have proved that Ukraine is a democratic state. Thank you for the assistance you have been providing us all these years: in combating corruption, in vitally important reforms, in supporting the economy and, most importantly, in the fight against Russian military aggression in the east of Ukraine and Crimea.

My second emotion is hope. Hope that due to our joint efforts, peace will come as soon as possible to Ukraine. Hope that our cooperation will be continued, even more so – will be even closer and more productive. We hope that the number of our international partners will grow and people in every corner of the earth will know: one can deal with Ukraine – it is a good partner.

I will try to do everything for the European family and the large world family to consider Ukraine not as an annoying distant relative who disappoints everyone, but as a reliable sister everyone will be proud of! And for “Glory to Ukraine!” to be heard not only here, but also around world!

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