On September 17, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko arrived to a warm welcome on Parliament Hill. His first official visit toCanadasince being elected in May 2014 was short but successful, and undeniably memorable for many of those in attendance.
Given all that has occurred inUkrainesince the Euromaidan revolution began in late November 2013, Poroshenko’s presence was a meaningful one, symbolizing the close partnershipCanadaandUkrainehave developed in recent history. Hearing the Ukrainian anthem played amid a backdrop of a 21-gun salute and the Ukrainian flag hoisted on Parliament Hill was undoubtedly a proud moment for many Ukrainian Canadians.
During his speech at a joint session of Parliament, Poroshenko stressedUkraine’s gratitude forCanada’s steadfast friendship as his country fights for its independence and territorial integrity. “Canadais a friend indeed,” he stated, quoting the financial, technical, and non-lethal military aidCanadahas sentUkrainethus far, including the election observation mission sent to observeUkraine’s early presidential elections in May. “You helped us establish a new government inUkraine,” said Poroshenko. “Thank you.”
Speaking about the recently ratified EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, the Ukrainian president remarked that it was “one of the most important days in the history ofUkraine” and his country’s “last goodbye to theSoviet Union.”
ReiteratingCanada’s support forUkraine, Prime Minister Harper assured Poroshenko that “Ukrainewill never be alone, becauseUkrainecan count onCanada.” He also emphasizedCanada’s commitment toUkraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, stating, “whether it takes five months or 50 years to liberate it, we will never, ever recognize the illegal Russian occupation of Ukrainian territory.”
The welcoming spirit and enthusiasm of a very full House of Commons was evidently not lost on the Ukrainian president. Multiple rounds of thunderous applause and standing ovations prompted him to remark that he felt “very much at home.”
Poroshenko’s visit also saw the conclusion of a much anticipated agreement on a $200 million Canadian loan aimed at promoting economic and social development inUkraine. In addition, Harper announced thatCanadawill be providing $3 million for humanitarian assistance inUkraineto aid those living in areas affected by violence, as well as those who have been internally displaced as a result of the conflict.
The two leaders also discussed the steps required to restore territorial integrity inUkraineand ensure its sovereignty, as the country continues to face the illegal Russian occupation of Crimea and the invasion and military aggression in easternUkraine.
Looking towards the future, Harper and Poroshenko reviewed progress on the Canada-Ukraine free trade negotiations and instructed officials to move forward in this area with increased vigor.
On September 17, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko arrived to a warm welcome on Parliament Hill. His first official visit toCanadasince being elected in May 2014 was short but successful, and undeniably memorable for many of those in attendance.
