WATCH: Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko praised Canada for its unwavering support for his country during a speech on Parliament Hill Wednesday.
TORONTO – In a heartfelt address to Parliament in Ottawa, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko thanked Canada for its unwavering support for his country.
His audience in the House of Commons frequently stood up to applaud, and he earned smiles from Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird throughout the speech.
Poroshenko’s first words after a warm welcome set the tone for a speech that showed his fond feelings of Canada and its people:
“It’s very hard to have a speech in such an atmosphere, believe me, I’ve never felt anything like that.”
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Here is a selection of quotes from his address:
“Today the Ukrainian-Canadian community is over a million people. … It’s preserved the language of their homeland, faith and tradition. Ukraine has always felt proud of the Ukrainian Canadians and grateful for their lasting support.”
“Canada has friends all over the globe, and the closest one next to it. However, I doubt that you will find another nation which could tell so sincerely what I am telling about you. Ukraine is probably the most Canadian nation after Canada itself. …And exactly this feeling I feel today during my meeting with many Canadians.”
“Today thousands of brave Ukrainian men and women are sacrificing their lives for the right to live in the way they choose to on their land under the blue and golden colours of the Ukrainian flag. Colours which are so dear to many Canadian-Ukrainians. In these dark days, we feel strong support of you. Thank you very much for that.”
“We hear your voice and this voice was very important for us. And our great achievement and our victory has happened because of your support. Thank you very much indeed.”
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