On June 5, during a working visit to Switzerland, Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Mariana Betsa took part in the opening of the Ukrainian World Congress Summit in Bern.

On behalf of Minister for Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha, Mariana Betsa expressed gratitude to the Ukrainian World Congress, particularly its President Pavlo Grod, Ukrainian organizations around the world, and the Ukrainian community in Switzerland for their steadfast support of Ukraine and their active efforts to consolidate international solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

The Deputy Minister emphasized the crucial role of Ukrainians abroad in strengthening international support for Ukraine amid Russia’s ongoing aggression.

“Today, the global Ukrainian community is a powerful force uniting people around Ukraine. Ukrainians abroad serve as our people’s ambassadors. They support our citizens and the Defence Forces of Ukraine, mobilize international solidarity, and bring Ukraine’s Victory closer,” - Mariana Betsa stressed.

The Ukrainian diplomat underlined that Ukraine regards the global Ukrainian community as an integral part of the Ukrainian nation and attaches particular importance to strengthening ties with Ukrainian communities abroad, supporting cultural and educational initiatives, and preserving national identity.

Mariana Betsa also participated in a Ukrainian Breakfast hosted by the Embassy of Ukraine in Switzerland. The event brought together representatives of the Ukrainian World Congress, the Ukrainian community in Switzerland, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, the Council of Europe, and the Central Election Commission of Ukraine.

During her visit to Bern, Mariana Betsa held a number of bilateral meetings, including with Sibel Arslan, President of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Council of Switzerland, and Alexandre Fasel, State Secretary of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.

The parties discussed the current security situation in Ukraine, diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace, the return of Ukrainian children unlawfully deported by Russia, as well as Switzerland’s continued support for Ukraine.

Special attention was devoted to engaging the Swiss side in supporting Ukraine’s energy sector, humanitarian demining efforts, strengthening sanctions pressure on the Russian Federation, and ensuring Russia’s accountability for crimes committed against Ukraine and its citizens.

The visit demonstrated the high level of the Ukrainian-Swiss partnership and the shared commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation and international efforts in support of Ukraine.