“First Lady Zelenska is a very important figure in Ukraine’s fight for democracy and independence. It was a powerful experience to welcome her and Foreign Minister Sybiha to the Storting. They expressed their great gratitude for our support for Ukraine. I made the point that there are currently nine parties represented in the Storting, and that we stand united in our support for Ukraine – both in a military and a civil capacity. This support is all about what kind of Europe we want to have in the future. It’s about our security as well,” said Masud Gharahkhani, President of the Storting.

After showing Ms Zelenska and Mr Sybiha the Storting’s Main Chamber, Mr Gharahkhani had a 20-minute meeting with his guests. The Foreign Minister continued his visit by meeting members of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence, while the First Lady was given a tour of the building.

“I’m delighted that the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee’s first international visitor of the new parliamentary term has been Ukraine’s Foreign Minister. It was an exceptionally good meeting. The committee reiterated its cross-political support for and solidarity with Ukraine and their fight, which they are conducting on behalf of us all. It’s vital now to attain a rapid ceasefire and a lasting peace solution for Ukraine,” said Ine Eriksen Søreide, Chair of the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee.