Ambassador's interview for the Egyptian online newspaper Mobtada
Ambassador's interview for the Egyptian online newspaper Mobtada
10 May 2021 15:49
Ambassador of Ukraine Yevhen Mykytenko in an in-depth interview with Heidy ad-Desouqi for the popular Egyptian online newspaper Mobtada talked about prospects for economic cooperation, tourism development, exchange of visits at various levels and Russian aggression in Ukraine:
Economy and trade:
Although the past year was heavily affected by the pandemic, Egypt remains Ukraine's No. 1 trade partner in Africa and the Middle East. In 2020, there was a slowdown in economic growth. Still, the trade exchange between Ukraine and Egypt resulted in $1.8 billion. During Q1 of 2021, trade exchange reached $464 million, of which $430 million is Ukrainian exports to Egypt, and more than $34 million Egyptian exports to Ukraine.
We are expecting the 8th meeting of the joint governmental committee between Ukraine and Egypt to take place in Egypt this year.
We are also preparing for an official delegation of Egyptian businesspersons and traders to visit Ukraine soon.
Tourism:
In the first three months of this year, 320,000 Ukrainian tourists visited Egypt.
There are more than 10 charter flights to Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh every day, and several charters come to Marsa Alam weekly. Besides, Ukrainian International Airlines perform 3-4 regular flights between our capitals Kyiv and Cairo every week.
Expanding the bilateral legal framework:
We have at least 10 agreements under study for both sides, and they are very important.
One of them is a cooperation agreement in the field of space (not many know that the first Egyptian satellite, "EgyptSat 1", which was launched in 2007, was made with Ukrainian-Egyptian cooperation).
We are also preparing to sign new agreements between the ministries of justice, as well as other bilateral documents between ministries and agencies in Ukraine and Egypt.
Visits
There are plans to exchange visits between the leaders of the two countries. A high ministerial visit to Kyiv is expected as soon as conditions allow.
There are plans for developing cooperation between regions in our countries. We are waiting for a visit by a substantial delegation from Ukrainian Kherson region to Egyptian Damietta.
Egypt's reforms:
Only around 7 countries in the world did not lose during the pandemic, despite all the difficulties, and Egypt is among them. The economy is working well and growing. Therefore, without a doubt, Egypt is a leading country and a role model for Africa and the Middle East.
What do you think of Egypt's strategy towards the Renaissance Dam file?
I have been following it for several years, and I know the importance of the waters of the Nile River to Egypt. The Renaissance Dam file is very difficult. I follow the publications in the world media as well and I understand that countries support Egypt's position. There must be a binding agreement for all parties to use the common treasures between you. I see that God granted you the Nile and it is a treasure for Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia. There must be consensus from the three countries on how to use this treasure, as it is a vital and very important thing for all peoples, so I feel that the majority of European and American countries understand Egypt`s position and support it. My personal opinion is that Egypt's position is very balanced.
Russian aggression:
Since 2014, 7% of Ukraine's territory remains under Russian occupation.
What is the best solution from Ukraine's point of view? The withdrawal of Russian forces from Crimea and the eastern regions of Ukraine.
We are sure that the key to the solution is in the Kremlin.