On Thursday, 27 November, the Fairmont Grand Hotel Kyiv hosted a reception organised by the Embassy of the Republic of Albania in Ukraine to mark the 113th anniversary of Albania’s independence. The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yevhen Perebyinis, members of parliament, representatives of the military and local authorities, the diplomatic corps, scientific and cultural institutions, as well as the Albanian community in Ukraine.
In his speech, Albanian Ambassador to Ukraine Ernal Filo recalled that on 28 November 1912, the creation of the Albanian state was proclaimed in the city of Vlora, and stressed that this year’s anniversary is being celebrated in Kyiv for the first time since the opening of the Albanian Embassy. He described this as a ‘new chapter in diplomatic relations’ and a symbol of the deepening of relations between the two countries and solidarity with Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.
The ambassador emphasised Albania’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as our country’s European course. He recalled that Albania, as a member of NATO, consistently stands on the side of Ukraine in the UN, the Council of Europe and the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, opposing attempts to change Europe’s borders by force.
A separate section of the speech was devoted to economic cooperation. According to the ambassador, bilateral trade between Albania and Ukraine has exceeded €65 million in recent years, with positive dynamics in the agro-industrial sector, metallurgy, construction materials and food products. Ukrainian companies are showing interest in the Albanian market in the areas of grain supply, energy, logistics and agricultural technology, while Albanian exports to Ukraine include minerals, medicinal plants, building materials and tourism services.
The ambassador noted that 57 companies with 100% Ukrainian capital and six joint ventures with Albanian partners are already operating in Albania, primarily in the Vlora region, which is becoming a ‘gateway’ for investment, tourism and maritime activities. In his opinion, this creates a basis for further expansion of economic cooperation.
Filo also highlighted Albania’s growing role as a tourist destination and invited more Ukrainian tourists and investors to the country, emphasising the potential of the Albanian Riviera, the mountainous north and the historic cities of Berat and Gjirokastër. He called culture ‘the most beautiful bridge’ between nations, mentioning Albanian polyphonic music, Mediterranean cuisine and contemporary art.
The ambassador made a special mention of the long-standing Albanian diaspora in Ukraine – communities in Odesa, Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv and Kharkiv, which have preserved their language and traditions for generations and serve as a ‘living bridge of friendship’ between the two countries.
Speaking about the war, Ernal Filo stated that Albania will continue to stand with Ukraine, freedom and international law, and that true peace is impossible without justice. He cited the example of the reconstruction of a school in Kharkiv with the support of the municipality of Tirana as a symbol of human solidarity.
In the final part of his speech, the ambassador emphasised the common goal of Albania and Ukraine – full integration into the European Union, welcomed the European Council’s decision to open negotiations on Ukraine’s membership and called Europe the ‘common home’ of the two nations.
Diplomatic relations between Ukraine and the Republic of Albania were established on 13 January 1993. The Embassy of Ukraine in Albania began operating in Tirana in 2020, marking a new stage in the development of bilateral relations. The Albanian Embassy in Ukraine was officially opened in Kyiv on 17 January 2025 – it is the first foreign diplomatic mission opened in Ukraine after the start of the full-scale invasion by the Russian Federation.
A formal reception was held in Kyiv to mark the Independence Day of the Republic of Poland, during which the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Ukraine, Piotr Lukashevich, gave a speech on the importance of independence, national unity, and solidarity with Ukraine.
In his address, Ambassador Łukaszewicz emphasized that this holiday is not only the most important national day for Poles, but also a profound reminder of the path that Poland has traveled and continues to build. He stressed that Poles honor the generations who dreamed, fought, and ultimately restored the sovereign Polish state.
The ambassador recalled the words of Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who said this year in Gdańsk: “Niepodległość to wspólna sprawa” (Independence is a common cause). “It is not only a personal achievement, but a shared responsibility, res publica. We celebrate the miracle of unity, when, after many years of division, Poles from different regions and with different views united and rebuilt their state,” the diplomat said.
He stressed that Poland’s greatest triumphs were never the result of unanimity, but rather the result of solidarity. According to the ambassador, patriotism does not mean pitting one Pole against another, but rather unity and the joint construction of something greater.
Drawing parallels with Polish history, Lukaszewicz said that Poles’ thoughts naturally turn to the Ukrainian people, who are now fighting for the same thing that Poles fought for not so long ago: the right to live in freedom, dignity, and sovereignty.
The ambassador emphasized that today Poland is a strong and free state, a modern democratic country, an active member of the EU and NATO, and a stable partner in a changing world. He mentioned Poland’s economic achievements, as well as the launch of the first Polish military satellite, emphasizing that the country’s strength comes not only from economic or political successes, but above all from the unity of society and the willingness of each generation to take responsibility.
Lukasevich noted that independence does not exist in isolation and that freedom in the modern world is interdependent, so the security of one nation strengthens the security of all.
He commented separately on the recent attack on the Polish railway, which Warsaw considers an act of sabotage. According to him, Poland is well aware of terrorists and opponents, and these threats will not break its resolve.
At the same time, the ambassador thanked Poland’s allies and partners, in particular Ukraine, NATO and EU countries, as well as states whose military contingents are stationed on Polish territory. “You are with us, and we are with you,” he said.
Poland was the first country in the world to recognize Ukraine’s independence on December 2, 1991. Diplomatic relations between Ukraine and the Republic of Poland were established on January 4, 1992, after which the Polish Embassy in Kyiv and the Ukrainian Embassy in Warsaw began operating in 1992.
A reception organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Moldova on the occasion of the 33rd anniversary of the country’s independence was held in Kyiv at the Premier Palace Hotel. The event gathered diplomats, politicians, cultural figures and business representatives who had the opportunity to enjoy Moldovan hospitality, wines and national dishes.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to Ukraine, Mr. Valeriu Chiver, delivered a solemn speech in which he noted not only the achievements of Moldova since independence, but also expressed gratitude to Ukraine for the fruitful cooperation.
The main points of Valerii Chiverii’s speech:
“I am very pleased to welcome you to the reception on the occasion of the 33rd anniversary of the Republic of Moldova’s independence. We are grateful to you for joining us on this festive day. We have two important holidays: Independence Day, which we celebrate on August 27, and Romanian Language Day, which is celebrated on August 31. In addition, we recently celebrated National Army Day, which adds another reason to celebrate.
This year, the upcoming presidential elections on October 20 are particularly important, when Moldovans will have the opportunity to choose the European path of the country’s development. We are confident that Ukrainians want the same for their country, which will further strengthen our relations.
Our bilateral relations are now at their highest level ever. Over the past two years, Ukraine has hosted the President of Moldova three times, the Prime Minister twice, and numerous ministerial visits have taken place. Our cooperation covers various multilateral platforms, including the Peace Formula, the Crimean Platform, and other important initiatives.
Moldova has been supporting Ukraine since the very beginning of this unjust war. We have opened our borders to over a million Ukrainians and provided asylum to over a hundred thousand. We believe that the lines of solidarity along which Ukrainian grain is exported will one day become the lines along which goods will be returned to rebuild Ukraine.
Both of our countries are striving to become part of the European family, and we are convinced that this will bring us even closer. Moldovan-Ukrainian cooperation is based on mutual respect and understanding. We are also grateful to the Ukrainian authorities for restoring the historical truth regarding the Romanian language and congratulate all Romanian speakers on their holiday.”
At the end of his speech, Valeriu Chiever thanked his Ukrainian counterparts for their openness and cooperation, and noted the productive trilateral meetings between Moldova, Ukraine and Romania.
Referring to the efforts of Moldovan embassies, consulates and honorary consuls in various regions of Ukraine, he thanked them for promoting bilateral relations and organizing the event, especially emphasizing their work under the pressure of war.
Moldova recognized Ukraine’s independence on December 10, 1991, shortly after Ukraine gained independence. Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine were established on March 10, 1992.
PJSC Ukrnafta will offer a 3.3 UAH/litre discount on gasoline and diesel and a 0.5 UAH/litre discount on autogas on the 33rd anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence, the company announced on Facebook.
The promotion will run from August 23-25, 2024. It is open to Ukrainian citizens registered in the UKRNAFTA mobile application.
The offer does not apply to purchases of petroleum products in the app’s fuel wallet and when paying with NaftaPAY at the pump.
“Ukrnafta is the largest oil company in Ukraine and the operator of the national network of filling stations. In March 2024, the company took over the management of Glusco assets and operates 545 filling stations – 460 owned and 85 managed.
The company is implementing a comprehensive program to restore operations and update the format of its filling stations. Since February 2023, Ukrnafta has been issuing its own fuel coupons and NAFTAKarta cards, which are sold to legal entities and individuals through Ukrnafta-Postach LLC.
Ukrnafta’s largest shareholder is Naftogaz of Ukraine with a 50%+1 share. In November 2022, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine decided to transfer to the state a share of corporate rights of the company, which belonged to private owners and is currently managed by the Ministry of Defense.
JSC Ukrposhta will put into circulation the postal block “Free. Indestructible. Invincible” by the Independence Day of Ukraine, the company’s press service reported on Thursday.
“The block will consist of a stamp with a Ukrainian soldier and six illustrations reflecting the realities of the war,” the company said.
According to the message, the circulation of the postal block is 1 million copies. The nominal value of the block is 60 UAH. The block also includes “First Day” envelopes and unmarked art envelopes.
It will be possible to purchase a postal block at city post offices.
On August, 21, 22, 23 and 24 Ancient Kyiv in the Principality of Kyivan Rus («Kyivan Rus Park») invites to a grandiose celebration of the Independence Day of Ukraine. A bright show-program on historical theme, horse-trick performances, Slavic amusements, master-classes, tasty dishes prepared on open fire, horse riding and much more from the life of Kyivan Rus will be waiting for the guests.
Ancient Kyiv opens at 10:00. The program starts at 14:00.
The ticket price: a full adult ticket – 230 UAH, for pensioners and students – 150 UAH, for schoolchildren – 80 UAH, for preschool children – for free.
Ancient Kyiv in the «Kyivan Rus Park» is located in Kyiv region, Obukhiv district, the vill. Kopachiv.
Details on the website www.parkkyivrus.com
The Interfax subscribers can save money with the “openbusiness-20” promo code for a 20%-discount for a full price adult ticket to the Principality of Kyivan Rus:
– by previous order by tel.: +38 044 461-99-37, +38 050 385-20-35
– or at the cash desk at the entrance to the «Kyivan Rus Park».
