Forrest Dweller

Today, I assume the office of President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly with a profound sense of honour and responsibility. For the first time in the history of independent Ukraine, a Ukrainian representative will lead one of the most important international parliamentary institutions. On this day, I want to thank all the members of the Ukrainian delegation to the Assembly. We have never been divided into “government” and “opposition”. We have always stood together as one Ukrainian team, shoulder to shoulder, defending the interests of our country. And I am proud to have had the honour of working alongside you. I also want to express my gratitude to President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk. Both have consistently recognised the importance of the parliamentary dimension of the OSCE and have personally participated in the Assembly’s meetings, strengthening Ukraine’s voice on the international stage. But above all, I want to thank the Defence Forces of Ukraine. Without your courage, your sacrifice, and your extraordinary dedication every single day, none of this would have been possible. That is why I regard this mandate, first and foremost, as a mandate entrusted to me by you. I solemnly swear - I will not let you down!