H.M. Konungens välkomstord vid mottagningen på Nationaloperan

Kiev, Ukraina

(Det talade ordet gäller)

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!