Lisbon, Sept. 2, 2025 (Lusa) - Prime Minister Luís Montenegro has assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that Portugal maintains "full solidarity and constant support" for Ukraine, including in its "reconstruction efforts".
Luís Montenegro posted a message on the social network X, on Monday evening, after the Ukrainian head of state had shared a note about the conversation, in which he revealed that he had invited the Portuguese prime minister to visit Ukraine.
"I reaffirmed Portugal's full solidarity and constant support, as well as its strong repudiation and condemnation of the continued Russian attacks," emphasised Luís Montenegro.
"We will continue to participate in all efforts to ensure a just and lasting peace. Portugal will continue to stand by Ukraine and its reconstruction efforts," he added.
In a message posted on the X social network, the Ukrainian president revealed that he had discussed "the involvement of Portuguese companies in Ukraine's recovery and in the joint production of drones" with Luís Montenegro.
"We agreed that our teams will thoroughly explore all the opportunities available for such cooperation," he emphasised.
On the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Zelensky said that the two leaders had discussed "diplomatic efforts and the development of security guarantees".
"On Thursday, the Coalition of the Willing will meet to discuss the prepared security guarantee points, and we are counting on Portugal's participation. One of the main components of the security guarantees we see is Ukraine's accession to the EU (European Union). We agreed that on this path, no division between Ukraine and Moldova should be allowed," emphasised Zelensky.
A European political source told AFP on Monday that the meeting will take place in Paris, at a time when Washington's efforts to end Russia's invasion of Ukraine appear to be stalling.
This so-called Coalition of the Willing brings together 30 countries, including Portugal, willing to provide security guarantees to Kiev to prevent further Russian aggression after the end of the current conflict.
The Ukrainian President also emphasised in his note that Portugal has supported the country at war "from the beginning".
"We truly feel that. I expressed our gratitude for all the assistance provided, including defence aid and funding for the Superhero Schools, which allow our children to continue their studies while receiving treatment," he pointed out.
Volodymyr Zelensky also emphasised that Luís Montenegro shared the "impact of the great forest fires in Portugal", expressing solidarity with the Portuguese people and wishing them "a speedy recovery".
Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the worst armed conflict in Europe since the Second World War, which has left tens, if not hundreds, of thousands dead in both countries.
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