The strong relations between Qatar and Ukraine have reached new heights with several recent developments in bilateral cooperation, said Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister and Chief Digital Transformation Officer H E Dmytro Senik.
In an exclusive interview with The Peninsula, Senik said both the countries have a common desire to deepen bilateral relations in several areas including energy, agriculture, sports, healthcare, and tourism. Senik was in Doha on two-day visit during which he attended a round of political consultations between the foreign ministries of Qatar and Ukraine. During the discussions, Qatari side was headed by Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs H E Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi. The Ukrainian delegation was headed by Senik.
“Maintaining a sustainable dynamics of political consultations is very important, since it provides a convenient platform, which allows us to exchange views on the relevant issues of the regional and global agenda, to discuss in detail the ways for further intensification of the full range of bilateral cooperation,” he said.
“Discussions with the partners are always beneficial and valuable. We agreed to support the existing positive dynamics of the development of political dialogue between Ukraine and Qatar, in particular on substantial work on the organisation of bilateral high-level visits in the near future,” Senik said.
Senik emphasised that discussions between Qatar and Ukraine have also highlighted the importance of holding in 2021 the Second Session of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Commercial and Technical Cooperation, practical steps for further development of the Ukrainian-Qatari cooperation in trade and investment as well as cultural and humanitarian spheres.
Ukraine has also reiterated its appreciation to Qatar for providing Ukraine with the humanitarian medical assistance aimed at combating the spread of COVID-19 last year.
Trade and economic cooperation between Qatar and Ukraine has been significantly intensified over the recent years. In 2020, bilateral trade reached record $139.6m.
Ukraine’s major exports to Qatar include ferrous metals, cereals, fats and oils, and residues from food industries. On other hand, it mostly imports plastics, polymeric materials and products of inorganic chemistry, organic chemical compounds and textile materials from Qatar.
During the visit to Qatar, Dmytro Senik also held a number of important meetings related to trade and investment with Qatari companies. He also met Chief Executive Officer of the Qatar Investment Authority, Mansour Al Mahmoud, and discussed prospects for the expansion of investment cooperation.
“We held meetings with the management of QTerminals, Nebras Power and the Qatar Investment Authority. I was also delighted to have a chance to visit Hamad Port and get acquainted with its state-of-the-art infrastructure and technical capabilities.
“During the meetings with the Qatari companies, we discussed the development of bilateral investment cooperation, in particular the issue of attracting Qatari investments into the implementation of promising projects in Ukraine, prospects for bilateral cooperation in the energy sector. Both sides praised the signing of agreement for the concession of the Ukrainian port of Olvia (Mykolaiv) by the Qatari company QTerminals that took place in 2020,” he added.
Senik said many Ukrainian companies are interested in establishing links with Qatari partners and Ukraine is highly interested in attracting Qatari investments.
“We assist to facilitate the process either through diplomatic channels or using the platforms of chambers of commerce and other relevant institutions,” he said.
According to Senik, over the years, Qatar and Ukraine have enhanced bilateral relations by maintaining intensive dynamics of political dialogue on the top level, constant annual growth of bilateral trade volume, the introduction of direct flights between Doha and Kiev, launching of visa-free regime, expansion of the legal framework, establishment of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on economic, commercial and technical cooperation and finally beginning of the practical implementation of the investment cooperation.
“All these achievements have been made possible largely through the tireless work with our Qatari partners and friends, especially over the last five or six years,” said Senik.
At present, Qatar and Ukraine are working on more than 10 drafts of bilateral documents on cooperation in various fields including energy, agriculture, youth and sports, legal, healthcare, tourism and other fields.
“Some of them have already been agreed and are ready for signing, others still under consideration, but I am sure will be finalised shortly. I believe that majority of above mentioned documents will be ready for the signing during the upcoming top-level visit.”
The Ukrainian Deputy FM said over the recent years, Ukrainian community in Qatar has significantly increased, saying there were around 1,500 Ukrainian nationals living in Qatar.
In recent years there has also been a significant increase in the number of Ukrainian tourists visiting Qatar. “I believe that such dynamics exemplify that this particular field is very promising. Tourism is one of the domains that pose an interest in terms of further expansion of our bilateral cooperation and people-to-people ties,” he said.
“We invite our Qatari friends to visit Ukraine when situation with COVID-19 allows getting familiar with its beautiful nature, rich history and unique culture,” he added.
In reply to a question related to FIFA World Cup 2022 to be held in Qatar, Senik said, “It will be an exciting world cup. We are following how carefully Qatar is tirelessly working to organise this tournament and to transform it into a spectacular performance! It is hard work,” he added.
With reference to the facilities and new football stadiums, Senik said, “During my visit, I had a chance to witness it. A huge number of implemented infrastructure facilities, the opening of new state-of-the-art football stadiums. Wonderful atmosphere of upcoming holiday is felt everywhere here.
“We look forward to the FIFA World Cup in Qatar with great expectations as it will be first ever such event in the Middle East. I hope Ukraine national team will qualify and our football fans will receive a chance to become a part of this big event,” he added.
Senik also commended Qatar’s mediation efforts for establishing peace in Afghanistan and its recent initiative to end stalemate between the US and Iran over nuclear deal.
“Ukraine commends the mediation efforts of Qatar, in particular those towards finding a solution to a conflict in Afghanistan that has been lasting for decades,” he said.
“We praise the efforts applied by the leadership of Qatar in order to bring peace to Afghanistan resulting in signing in February 2020 of a Doha agreement between the US and Taliban as well as launching in Doha the intra-Afghan negotiations.
“Gulf region is of strategic global importance. Therefore, Ukraine is interested in maintaining security and stability in the region. All the mediation efforts striving to prevent conflict and to preserve peace and stability in the region are of vital importance,” said Senik.
