Mr Lello also had the opportunity while in Kyiv to hold meetings with the speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, Oleksandr Moroz, and members of the Ukrainian Delegation to the NATO PA, led by Hryhoriy Illyashov. He also held informal meetings with other Rada members and media figures.
Speaking at the conclusion of his visit, Mr Lello said, 'Thirty years ago, my own country, Portugal, went through the transition from authoritarianism to democracy so I can speak from first-hand experience about the process of introducing a new culture into the security sector.'
Noting that this was the first visit to Ukraine by an Assembly President since last year?s parliamentary elections, Mr Lello said that he had been very pleased to reaffirm the Assembly's commitment to its close relationship with the Verkhovna Rada. 'It is for Ukraine to choose its course and our members stand ready to work with their Rada colleagues, and provide any advice and assistance that might be asked for.'
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