Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Dmytro Razumkov met with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
This is reported by the Parliament's website.
Razumkov thanked the Patriarch for his principled position on the territorial integrity of Ukraine and noted that the support of religious leaders in this matter is invaluable.
"We continue to fight for the return of the temporarily occupied territories of our state. And religion is one of the foundations around which people can be united. We have always followed the policy of unification, finding common ground, and do not accept the policy of division. I hope that your visit will activate this process," Dmytro Razumkov said.
The head of the Ukrainian Parliament expressed hope for the support of the Ecumenical Patriarch in protecting people's rights in the temporarily occupied territories of Crimea and Donbas.
Razumkov also noted that churches and religious organizations play a serious role in supporting both people who are in the temporarily occupied territories and those who are enrolled at the front. The chairman of the Verkhovna Rada added that the Ukrainian parliament adopted in the first reading the draft law "On the service of military chaplaincy" (registration number 4626).
During the meeting, the parties also raised issues related to environmental protection.
"I hope for your support in protecting the environment. Today, the Ukrainian authorities are beginning to pay more attention to the environment. Unfortunately, over the years of independence, this issue has not been given due attention," Dmytro Razumkov said.