– Oh, it felt like being back in Ukraine when I met him, says Krystina Minian with tears in her eyes. Minian came from Ukraine to Norway with her son last year. She was one of many refugees who received health care from the Ukrainian parliament chairman when he visited Drammen on Tuesday morning. Krystina Minian was one of many refugees who met the Ukrainian parliament speaker in Drammen. Photo: Caroline Utti / news – I have a good time in Norway, and get both help and opportunities, but you still feel lonely. When I hear that there is a visit from Ukraine, I feel less alone. We know that our country cares about us, even if we are not there. On an official visit to Norway Drammen was the first stop on Stefantsjuk’s three-day visit to Norway. – It is very pleasant to start the visit in this city which has so many Ukrainian refugees. It is a great honor to have the opportunity to treat some of them, says Stefantsjuk to news. Ruslan Stefantsjuk sings the Ukrainian national anthem together with refugees present at Bragernes Torg in Drammen. Photo: Caroline Utti / news He says that he is happy to meet people who have fled the war, but who at the same time dream of being able to go back to their country. Great gratitude In Drammen, he heard about how the refugees have been received in Norway. – Gratitude is what repeats itself in the stories they tell. They are grateful for the Norwegian people, the parliament and the king. And for all those who work locally on various levels, and help them with what they are going through, says Stefantsjuk. Many turned up at Bragernes torg to welcome the Speaker of the Parliament. Drammen mayor Monica Myrvold Berg and Storting president Masud Gharahkhani are waiting for the guest. Security is in place. Ruslan Stefantschuk and Masud Gharahkhani greet those present. The refugees from Ukraine talk about how Norway has welcomed them. Stefantschuk greets some of the Ukrainian children who live in Drammen. The Ukrainian kindergarten children entertain with songs in both Ukrainian and Norwegian. Stefantsjuk responds with loud applause. – They also talk about experiences they want to take back to Ukraine with them. Among other things related to legal and court reform, and how to build a society where everyone feels included. They are happy to take these experiences home. Read also: Iryna (30) fled Ukraine in the autumn: Now she will give a speech on 17 May at Norwegian Guest of Honor on the national day In the next few days, the Speaker of the Parliament will visit both Oslo and Kongsberg. On 17 May, he will be in the capital together with Parliament President Masud Gharahkhani. Storting President Masud Gharahkhani visited Stefanchuk in Ukraine last year. Now the Ukrainian is a guest. Photo: Caroline Utti / news – I really appreciated that you wanted to be here and celebrate May 17 with me. It is a day where we should celebrate the opportunities we have in Norway, at the same time as it is a strong reminder of the seriousness of Europe, says Gharahkhani. – The wonderful commemoration I have of 17 May represents the fight that the Ukrainian people wish to fight – the fight so that in the future it will be possible for Ukrainian children to go on a train in a peaceful and independent country.
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