Marcelo Rebelo de Souza spoke Ukrainian with Volodymyr Zelensky at the celebration of Independence Day, which is celebrated this Thursday in Ukraine.
“In the future they will be in the European Union and NATO. Portugal will always support Ukraine,” Marcelo said.
The President of Portugal, who was on an official visit to the country, was one of the heads of state present at the ceremony, which took place this morning on Sophia Square in Kyiv.
Marcelo Rebelo de Souza spoke after the President of Lithuania and was the only one who spoke Ukrainian to confirm Ukraine’s support for Portugal and was greeted with applause. The Prime Minister of Norway and the Prime Minister of Bosnia also spoke.
During the broadcasts, some Ukrainian journalists told CMTV reporters that Marcelo’s Ukrainian pass “wasn’t perfect, but it was the best”.
Read Marcelo Rebelo de Souza’s speech in full:
“Congratulations, Ukraine! Peace and security in Europe. In the future – in the European Union and in NATO. I embrace all the courageous and indomitable Ukrainian people. And special greetings to your brothers and our brothers who live in Portugal! Long live independent Ukraine! Yes “Long live Ukraine! Brotherhood between the Ukrainian and Portuguese peoples!”