Ambassador of Ukraine to Qatar Andriy Kuzmenko affirmed the depth of Qatari-Ukrainian relations describing them as a truly strong partnership based on the principles of trust, friendship and mutual respect. In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), on the occasion of the National Day, the envoy said: "The State of Qatar is regarded in Ukraine as a very important and relevant partner on the international arena. Likewise, Ukraine is regarded in Qatar as a friendly country and promising partner. The existing friendly atmosphere between our states and friendship between our nations give us an excellent platform for the development of a large-scale co-operation."
"We attained significant achievements on our bilateral track, especially during the recent years: maintaining of intensive political dialogue, steady dynamic of annual increasing of the bilateral turnover, expansion of the legal framework of our co-operation, launching of direct flights between Doha and Kyiv and visa-free regime of travelling just to name a few.
"Despite all the difficulties caused by the Covid-19 we were able to start the investment co-operation between Ukraine and Qatar. This year Qatari company QTerminals won the concession tender for the Ukrainian seaport Olvia and on August 20 the respective agreement was signed. I hope that this success story will encourage other Qatari investors to look at Ukraine as a very promising investment market."
The envoy added: "The State of Qatar is an example of continuous development and progress, of a wise vision of its future and tireless work to ensure prosperity of its nation. All of this, combined with the active Qatar's foreign policy, extensive and successful mediation efforts, has allowed the State of Qatar to strengthen significantly its prestige worldwide as a reliable and trustworthy power, partner and friend."
The envoy pointed out: "Ukraine and Qatar have vast potential to expand significantly bilateral fruitful co-operation. I consider our co-operation in agricultural sphere, infrastructure and transport, energy, tourism, trade and investments as most promising. Ukraine as one of the leading world agricultural exporters has much to offer to the State of Qatar that pays much attention to its food security. We continue to work hard on expansion of our cooperation, in particular in investment and energy spheres.
The ambassador of Ukraine added: "The current year brought us a new global challenge, probably unprecedented and biggest challenge for the entire world community in terms of its scope, economic, social and sometimes even political consequences. Unfortunately, one year after the first case of Covid-19 has been discovered, the entire world continues to suffer because of this pandemic, which affected daily life of the people."
The envoy stressed: "This is the common challenge and therefore it requires common, joint efforts to address it. We have no choice but work together to exert all possible efforts towards eliminating the threat of Covid-19. Through effective management, timely and decisive steps of the leadership of the State of Qatar, the country managed not only to curb the spread of the pandemic in Qatar, but rapidly to move from the country with the highest percentage of the infected persons to one of the safest in this respect. Such decisive steps were combined with crucial government support for the private sector, with efficient measures aimed at securing the economic and financial stability of the state and safety of its population."
The envoy added that Qatar has contributed significantly to the global efforts in combating Covid-19, while extended its helping hand to many countries and international institutions at this critical moment, adding: "If I am not mistaken for the time being Qatar has delivered its humanitarian medical aid to more than 60 countries worldwide and I am very happy that Ukraine is in this list. Qatar demonstrates a strong commitment to a spirit of partnership and mutual assistance.
The envoy concluded by saying: "I would like to reiterate our sincere gratitude to the State of Qatar for providing Ukraine with the humanitarian medical aid in May, 2020 aimed at combating Covid-19. That step was yet another manifestation of true friendship and strong partnership between Ukraine and Qatar."
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