Ukrainian Ambassador Visits State House

It’s not every day an international dignitary comes to the Alabama state house.

 

Olexander Motsyk addressed a joint session of both representatives and senators, saying his country’s new democracy has carefully watched as we commemorated the Selma to Montgomery march.

 

“Your state contributed greatly to democracy not only in the United States but in the world. As I mentioned it’s a heritage that’s very important also for Ukraine,” said Ambassador Motsyk.

 

Motsyk is visiting Alabama for the first time, but the state is one of only seven in the country with an honorary consulate, ours is located in Birmingham.

 

This is a difficult time for the country, after a clash with Russian troops for much of the last year. 

Motsyk says the US has been a strong ally.

 

“We have a war in Ukraine. It is not a civil war or internal conflict, it is simply a foreign aggression from the Russian Federation, which we are fighting now not only defending Ukraine but the whole Europe and European values and democratic values as well,” said Motsyk.

 

Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh helped welcome the ambassador to the house chambers. 

Marsh called it an honor and says it’s important not just for the national government, but state’s as well to maintain international relationships. 

 

“Alabama today is more diverse than ever, if you look at the interests that are here and the countries that are here involved with us. He made reference to that. The world is a lot smaller because of technology,” said Sen. Marsh.