“The Prime Minister of Portugal, Luiz Montenegro, received the Ambassador of Ukraine to the Portuguese Republic, Maryna Mykhaylenko, and representatives of the Ukrainian community on the eve of the vote in the Assembly of the Republic on amendments to the Portuguese law on the temporary protection of displaced persons.”, — write: www.ukrinform.ua
The Prime Minister of Portugal, Luiz Montenegro, received the Ambassador of Ukraine to the Portuguese Republic, Maryna Mykhaylenko, and representatives of the Ukrainian community on the eve of the vote in the Assembly of the Republic on amendments to the Portuguese law on the temporary protection of displaced persons.
The diplomatic mission noted that these changes will allow synchronizing national legislation in this area with the decisions of the European Union and extending the stay of Ukrainian citizens in Portugal who have received temporary protection until March 2026.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister of the Portuguese Republic, Luiz Montenegro, confirmed Portugal’s constant support for Ukraine and assured that “the country’s doors are always open for Ukrainians.”
The head of government said that he sees “a certain chemistry in the relations between the Portuguese and Ukrainians” and stressed that Portugal will continue to implement the principles of cooperation between the two countries, and the law discussed this afternoon is an example of this support.
“We have always believed that this aggression is not only aggression against Ukraine, but also aggression against Europe, aggression against the worthy values of people, the values of the territorial integrity of sovereign states, the values of international law. And that is why we believe that, once again, we are also part of this war and will be on the side of Ukraine to minimize its consequences, as well as to cooperate in achieving peace as soon as possible…” he concluded.
In her turn, the Ambassador of Ukraine Maryna Mykhaylenko thanked Portugal for the unprecedented level of sympathy, compassion and solidarity with the Ukrainian people, demonstrated both in words and in deeds. We are talking about the entire spectrum of aid – from military to humanitarian.
“Today’s decision on temporary protection, which will be voted in the parliament on the initiative of the Government, is another very important gesture of support for the Ukrainian community in Portugal,” the ambassador emphasized.
Maryna Mykhaylenko noted that Ukraine is grateful to Portugal for providing temporary asylum to tens of thousands of Ukrainians who were forced to leave Ukraine due to Russian aggression.
“Of course, it is important for Ukraine that our citizens have the opportunity to preserve their identity, and children to learn the Ukrainian language and history. It is for this purpose that several Ukrainian Saturday schools operate in Portugal. And we hope for further interaction with the Portuguese government in order to promote and expand their activities,” the ambassador added.
Maryna Mykhaylenko also noted that no one yearns for peace more than Ukraine, but peace must be fair, long-lasting and based on international law and respect for the UN Charter, which will ensure the prevention of future aggression not only in Europe, but throughout the world.
We will remind you that in Lisbon, in the cultural and educational center “Divosvit” under the Union of Ukrainians in Portugal, a meeting was held regarding the development of Ukrainian schooling in Portugal and its importance for preserving the national identity of Ukrainians.
Photo: Embaixada da Ucrânia na República Portuguesa / Facebook