On August 24, 2013 Ukrainians over the world celebrate the 22nd anniversary of the independence of its country. This day Ukrainian nation pays tribute to the historical choice made 22 years ago when the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine declared independence of the Ukrainian state.

This remarkable event crowned the long struggle of Ukraine`s people for the right to have their own state, has become a kind of milestone in the Newest History  and contemporaneity of our country, the development of the national culture, full membership at the international community.

Celebrating the 22nd  anniversary of Ukraine`s Independence, we remember those glorious sons of our country, who for a thousand years, from the Kyiv Russ times and until the present, with their heroic deeds, by the cost of their lives and decisive actions, strength of mind and strong faith helped approximation of the Ukrainian independence to its actual implementation.

Ukrainian state has always sought to build a society, based on deep spiritual culture of our ancestors, respect for human and citizen, Ukrainian`s belonging to the European family of nations. Today we have much to be proud of. Growing the young generation of Ukrainians, born in a free independent country, who appreciates the democratic values and for whom concepts such as "freedom of speech and religion," "national interests", "right to choose", "democratic values" – are not just the constitutional principles, but are important democratic achievements, the reality of modern life in a young European country.

On the international arena Ukraine always acted as a peace-loving country that professes democratic civilization values, respects the principles and norms of the international law, seeks for mutually beneficial cooperation with all members of the international community. Making a significant contribution to the international peace and security, we are active participants in virtually major international peacekeeping missions.

Ukraine is an important subject of international relations. On 2011 our country was first chaired the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, on 2012 Ukraine headed in the Central European Initiative. 2013 was marked for the Ukrainian state with the chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Black Sea Economic Cooperation.

One of the main priorities of our foreign policy is the European integration of Ukraine. Law of Ukraine „About the basis of the domestic and foreign policy of Ukraine” this priority is formulated as „Ukraine’s integration into European political, economic and legal space with the goal of the EU membership”. In this context, Ukraine consistently fulfils its obligations under the Agenda of the Ukraine-EU Association, according to which the legislative and executive authorities of Ukraine implement the multi-system reforms.  We expect that the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU will be signed during the Summit of `Eastern Partnership` that held in Vilnius on November 28-29, 2013.

Ukraine pays much attention to strengthening ties with the many-millions multi-world community, which has always actively promoted cooperation between their historical homeland and the country of residence. Therefore, Ukraine's Independence Day – is a holiday not only for Ukrainians, but also for all who supported us on the road to sovereignty, who sincerely shares the successes of our country and helps us to realize our goals and priorities.

While celebrating the 22nd anniversary of independence, Ukraine with confidence looks in the future and believes that its relentless progressive movement forward will ensure peace, happiness, prosperity and well-being of its citizens - in the Ukrainian family of peoples of the United Europe.

 

Embassy of Ukraine

to the Hellenic Republic