Stefanchuk, Portuguese PM discuss energy security, trade, Ukraine’s EU accession
Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk and Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro discussed energy security and expanding economic cooperation, including opening both countries’ markets to mutual trade, during a meeting.
According to Ukrinform, Stefanchuk reported this on Facebook.
The parties also focused on the peace process and Ukraine’s recovery, as well as on European integration. In particular, the Speaker highlighted the value of Portugal’s experience on its path to membership in the European Union.
“We are counting on an active role by the Portuguese side in supporting Ukraine, particularly in the context of opening negotiation clusters,” Stefanchuk said.
The meeting also addressed a future visit to Portugal aimed at further strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation across all state institutions.
Both sides reaffirmed their shared readiness to deepen interaction among all government bodies in the interests of peace, security, and a shared European future.
Stefanchuk stressed that Montenegro’s visit is “an important signal of support for Ukraine and evidence of the high level of trust and development of Ukrainian-Portuguese relations.”
“The Prime Minister noted that it is especially symbolic for him to be in parliament, as he himself was once a parliamentarian. This creates a shared understanding of the role of the legislative branch and the importance of institutional dialogue. We have active interparliamentary cooperation and are committed to consistently deepening it,” Stefanchuk said.
He also expressed gratitude to the Portuguese people for their consistent defense, financial, and humanitarian support for Ukraine, as well as for their solidarity in countering Russian aggression.
As reported earlier by Ukrinform, Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro announced Portugal’s first contribution to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund.
Photo: Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine