Ukrainian president meets with Portuguese foreign minister

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has met with Portuguese Foreign Minister Joao Gomes Cravinho as part of his visit to Ukraine.

That's according to the press service of the head of state, Ukrinform reports.

Zelensky praised the fact that the Portuguese foreign minister arrived in Ukraine on the day of the 31st anniversary of the restoration of Ukraine's independence.

"We are grateful that you arrived without paying attention to air raid sirens. I am glad that there are more people and states around Ukraine that are not afraid of Russian aggression," Zelensky said.

According to the President's Office, during the meeting, both sides exchanged views regarding Portugal's further support for Ukraine in strengthening defense capabilities and increasing sanctions pressure on Russia. In particular, Zelensky called for the introduction of visa restrictions against Russian citizens.

The president thanked Portugal for its participation in the second summit of the Crimea Platform and noted the importance of keeping the issue of de-occupation of Crimea on the international agenda.

Special attention was paid to Portugal's participation in the restoration of the educational infrastructure in Zhytomyr, as well as educational institutions in the towns of Irpin and Bucha, with the support of the municipality of the Portuguese city of Cascais. In this context, Zelensky highly appreciated a humanitarian mission of the Portuguese foreign minister to the Zhytomyr region.

The Portuguese foreign minister, in turn, said it was an honor for him to be in Ukraine on the 31st anniversary of its independence and to represent his country.

Cravinho emphasized that he came to convey the words of solidarity and support - political, security and humanitarian - from the president, prime minister, government and people of Portugal.

Photo credit: President's Office