On Friday, 13th of September, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha held a meeting with a delegation of the Ukrainian World Congress headed by President Paul Grod.

The Minister expressed gratitude to the UWC for the constant support of the Ukrainian Defence Forces and outlined the main priorities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He emphasised that the main goal remains unchanged: victory and comprehensive, equitable and lasting peace based on President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy`s Peace Formula.

The Minister informed about the renewal of the state's policy of cooperation with the global Ukrainian community and noted that this will become a strategic level of partnership: ‘We do not divide Ukrainians into old or new communities, we are a single unit, we are one mechanism.’

Andrii Sybiha also noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues important work to satisfy the national, cultural and linguistic needs of Ukrainian children abroad. He underlined that in those countries, where the majority of Ukrainian children are currently living, there should be full-fledged Ukrainian schools with a Ukrainian curriculum.

"I have high expectations for our joint work in this area. It is important that both - the UWC and our communities - raise the issue of allocating premises, funding for teachers, and helping with finding additional resources," noted Andrii Sybiha.

The Foreign Minister encouraged the Congress to continue being an active advocate of Ukraine abroad, to continue reminding the world of the war issue, as well as supporting our country with weapons and countering Russian disinformation.

Andrii Sybiha expressed his principal maintenance for the implementation of multiple citizenship as an important tool for preserving the ties of Ukrainians abroad with their country. He expressed hope that the legislation will be adopted with the support of Ukrainian parliamentarians. The Minister also briefed the UWC representatives on the updated consular policy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the simplification of access to consular services, including the innovation of the new E-Consul system.

From his point, Paul Grod reported on his visits to front-line cities in Ukraine, the delivery of aid to the military and the priorities of the UWC's upcoming activities, particularly in terms of cooperation with new Ukrainian communities abroad.

For notes: The Ukrainian World Congress is one of the top three community organisations providing assistance to Ukraine. Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, the #UniteWithUkraine initiative has raised over $59.5 million to support Ukrainian defence at the frontline.