Beirut:The Ukrainian Embassy in Beirut commemorated the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's restoration of independence alongside Ukraine's Defenders and Defenders Day during an official ceremony held on October 1.

According to National news agency - Lebanon, the event was attended by Information Minister Paul Morcos, representing the Presidents of the Republic and the Council of Ministers, along with MPs Elias Estephan, Bilal Abdullah, Paula Yacoubian, and Waddah Sadek. Other attendees included Beirut Governor Marwan Abboud, Beirut Municipal Council President Ibrahim Zaidan, Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Beirut and its Dependencies Elias Audi, representatives of the Lebanese Army and security agencies, members of the diplomatic corps, business and civil society representatives, and members of the Ukrainian community in Lebanon.

The ceremony underscored Ukraine's long-standing struggle for freedom and statehood, emphasizing the ongoing efforts of hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians to protect their country's independence, sovereignty, and future. A minute of silence was observed in memory of Ukrainian defenders who lost their lives protecting their homeland, as well as Lebanese Army personnel who died in the line of duty, symbolizing the shared respect and human bond between the Lebanese and Ukrainian peoples.

Ukrainian Ambassador Roman Horiainov, in his address, highlighted the sacrifices made by Ukrainians to freely determine their future and maintain their independence. He expressed gratitude to Lebanon and Ukraine's friends for their solidarity and support amid the ongoing Russian full-scale war against Ukraine. Horiainov thanked those defending Ukraine and honored those who sacrificed their lives for its freedom and independence.

The embassy expressed thanks to Lebanese and foreign friends, partners, and members of the Ukrainian community who attended the event, as well as to the sponsors whose support contributed to its success. The ceremony concluded with a reaffirmation of the commitment to defending Ukraine's independence and a tribute to the country's defenders.