Sveriges Kungahus
2008-10-01

H.M. Konungens välkomstord vid mottagningen på Nationaloperan i Kiev

den 1 oktober 2008.

Mr. President,
 
On behalf of the Queen and myself, and of our Delegation, I would like to thank you for the wonderful performance we have just enjoyed.
 
I could not have imagined a more pleasant end to the two days that we have spent in Kiev.
 
Kiev is a city which the Queen and I remember very well from our visit here in 1978. Great changes have taken place since then. Kiev has indeed developed in every way and today this beautiful city has acquired a new dynamic.
 
I am confident that this visit has strengthened the basis for further development of our co-operation in every field - not least when it comes to deepening and expanding bilateral trade contacts.
 
Tomorrow the Queen and I will travel on to the Kherson-region where, to this day, Swedish speaking Ukrainian citizens live in the village of Zmyivka. From there we will travel toCrimeaand visit some of its many interesting sights.
 
May I take this opportunity to thank you for the great hospitality you have shown to me and the Queen, as well as the whole Swedish Delegation.
 
Allow me to propose a toast for you Mr. President, and for your wife Mrs. Kateryna Yushchenko. With this, I would like to welcome all our guests and wish you all a continued pleasant evening.
 
Budmo — Skål!