Ukrainian vice-speaker, Austrian ambassador discuss bilateral relations

"The development of Ukrainian-Austrian bilateral relations, the intensification of inter-parliamentary cooperation and equal opportunities for women's participation in politics were discussed at a working meeting between Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Olena Kondratiuk and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Austria to Ukraine Gernot Pfandler," the report reads.

On behalf of the Verkhovna Rada, Kondratiuk thanked Pfandler for the humanitarian corridor provided by the Austrian government to Ukrainian citizens during the coronavirus outbreak.

"Thanks to this, thousands of citizens of Ukraine returned home quite quickly and safely to their relatives and friends. This brought our countries even closer," she said.

The participants in the meeting exchanged information on the experience of counteracting COVID-19 and discussed the need to intensify bilateral and inter-parliamentary cooperation between Ukraine and Austria after lockdown restrictions are lifted.

"I hope that the parliamentary group on inter-parliamentary relations with the Republic of Austria, which has been set up in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, will soon begin fruitful work with its Austrian counterparts. We expect the visit of the President of Ukraine to Austria and the exchange of bilateral working visits at the level of the parliamentary committees of our states," Kondratiuk said.

In addition, the sides raised the issue of seasonal workers from Ukraine who intend to work in Austria. Kondratiuk emphasized the importance of creating appropriate and safe working conditions for Ukrainian workers, as well as their social protection in the conditions of coronavirus. Pfandler, in turn, said Austria was interested in workers from Ukraine and was ready to create favorable living conditions for them.

According to the report, Kondratiuk and Pfandler also discussed the issue of ensuring equal rights and opportunities for women, in particular, their participation in politics. Pfandler noted Ukraine's significant progress in this direction and the increased number of women in the Ukrainian parliament. According to him, this is a positive trend that brings Ukraine closer to European standards.

Kondratiuk also thanked Austria for its support of Ukraine in connection with Russian aggression.

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