Ukrainian Foreign Minister Urges Ukrainian-African Partnerships Promoting Agriculture and Technology

MONROVIA — Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has emphasized the importance of fostering a Ukrainian-Africa Renaissance to enhance his country’s engagement with African nations through principles of mutual respect, mutual interest, and mutual benefit, particularly in the fields of agriculture and technology.

During a virtual conference call via Zoom with African journalists, including representatives from Liberia, held at the Ukrainian Consulate in Liberia on Wednesday, Minister Kuleba unveiled Ukraine’s plan to establish 10 new embassies on the African continent. This initiative will commence with the opening of embassies in Rwanda and Mozambique, marking the beginning of Ukraine’s increased focus on Africa.

The Ukrainian-Africa Partnerships aim to facilitate agricultural exports, advance technological advancements, and bolster military cooperation between Ukraine and African countries. Minister Kuleba expressed Ukraine’s eagerness to cultivate robust partnerships based on the fundamental principles of mutual respect, mutual interest, and mutual benefit. He stressed that Ukraine approaches Africa as equals and is not seeking to play the role of a victim or a supplicant, but rather as a friend offering reciprocal and advantageous collaborations.

Ambassador Kuleba, who has already visited Africa this year and plans to make another trip during the upcoming summer, undertakes these efforts in response to concerns expressed by Ukraine and its allies regarding Russia’s growing support from certain African nations and the ambivalence of others toward Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Minister Kuleba outlined that Ukraine’s engagement with Africa seeks to establish stronger relationships with African countries without the interference of intermediaries or external forces. He emphasized that Ukraine does not approach Africa as beggars seeking assistance but as partners offering mutual benefits and opportunities. Ukraine’s core principle is to engage directly with African leaders and to avoid any unnecessary involvement of intermediaries or external interference.

In conclusion, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has underscored the significance of Ukrainian-Africa cooperation and the country’s commitment to building strong and direct partnerships based on the principles of mutual respect, mutual interest, and mutual benefit. With the establishment of new embassies, a focus on agriculture and technology, and a dedication to avoiding intermediaries, Ukraine aims to deepen its ties with African nations and foster meaningful collaborations for the benefit of both parties.