European countries
Principality of Andorra
1. Recognition of Ukraine: 1991.
2. Establishment of Diplomatic Relations: April 19, 1996.
3. Political Relations:
Among the latest contacts of Senior Officials we could highlight the visit to Ukraine on 30 March -1 April 2011, of the Government of the Principality of Andorra Delegation headed by the Minister of Tourism, Trade and Industry K.B. Mas, the meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Ukraine and Andorra maintain active cooperation within the international organizations.
4. Trade, Commercial and Economic Relations:
According to the State Statistics Service of Ukraine, in the first half of 2015 Andorran import of services, mainly in the tourism industry, achieved 1,216.5 thousand. USD (+ 2,329.5% compared with the corresponding figure in 2014), Ukrainian export of services - 47.7 thousand USD (+ 533.9%). For 2014, export of goods of Andorran origin, especially sugar and confectionery, was 21.2 thousand USD (-9.5%), import to Andorra - 5,5 thousand USD.
5. Cultural and Humanitarian Cooperation:
Miniatures Museum “M. Siadrystyy” is open in the territory of Andorra, which is run by the Honorary Consul of Ukraine, Antonio Zorzano. Before the annexing by Russia of the A.R. of Crimea, Andorran children were enjoying resting in the Artek camp on a regular basis.
6. Legal Basis:
Number of valid documents: 2.
The key document is the Agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of the Principality of Andorra on Cooperation in Tourism.
7. Ukranian Community:
Up to 100 Ukrainian citizens live in the Principality of Andorra.
The Republic of Armenia
1. Recognition of Ukraine: December 18, 1991
2. Establishment of diplomatic relations: December 25, 1991
3. Political relations.
Armenia voted against the UN resolution №68/262 of March 27, 2014 `Territorial integrity of Ukraine`. This decision of the Armenian side led to the suspension of political dialogue between the two countries at high level.
4. Trade and Economic Relations.
In 2014 the trade turnover between Ukraine and the Republic of Armenia (goods and services) amounted to 210.0 mln. USD. It decreased by 13.8 mln. USD (6.1%) compared to 2013. Exports totalled 188.5 million, having decreased by 9.03 million (4.6%) compared to 2013. Imports totalled 21.5 mln. USD, having decreased by 5.77 million. USD (21.5%) compared to 2013. In 2014 the trade balance for Ukraine was positive and amounted to 168.0 mln. USD.
5. Cultural and humanitarian cooperation.
In February 2013 the Program on cooperation between the ministries of Culture of Ukraine and the Republic of Armenia for 2013-2017 was signed. In May of 2013 on the occasion of the 200-th anniversary of Taras Shevchenko's birthday the Kobzar`s monument was erected in Yerevan.
6. Cooperation in science and education.
Since 2001 the Training and research institute affiliated to the Ternopil National Economic University has been functioning in Yerevan.
7. The legal base.
Number of valid documents: 78.
Key documents:
- Treaty on Friendship and Cooperation between Ukraine and the Republic of Armenia (05.14.96);
- Agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of the Republic of Armenia on free trade (07.10.94);
- Agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of the Republic of Armenia on avoidance of double taxation (05.14.96);
- Agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of the Republic of Armenia on encouragement and mutual protection of investments (07.10.94).
8. Ukrainians in Armenia.
According to the 2001 census more than 1,500 ethnic Ukrainians live in Armenia (according to unofficial data - about 3 thousand). The union of Ukrainians in Armenia – Ukrainian Federation of Armenia "Ukraine"conducting was founded in 1995. It publishes the newspaper "Dnipro - Slavutych" in Ukrainian and Armenian languages.
9. Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Armenia - http://armenia.mfa.gov.ua/ua.
Republic of Azerbaijan
1. Recognition of Ukraine: February 6, 1992.
2. Establishment of diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Azerbaijan: February 6, 1992.
3. Political dialogue:
The Republic of Azerbaijan is an important partner for Ukraine in trade, energy, transport sectors. Ukraine and Azerbaijan established strategic partnership in 2008.
The Council of Presidents of Ukraine and Azerbaijan established in 2009 is the highest bilateral mechanism. The last (fourth) meeting of the Council was held on November 18, 2013 during the official visit of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to Ukraine.
Interparliamentary Friendship Group between Ukraine and Azerbaijan is established by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine as well as by the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan.
4. Trade and economic cooperation:
The total foreign trade turnover between Ukraine and Azerbaijan (goods and services) amounted to $ 674,2 million in 2014. In January – June 2015 the total foreign trade turnover between Ukraine and Azerbaijan (goods and services) amounted to $ 192,32 million and reduced by $ 140,23 million or by 42,2% comparing with the same period of 2014.
The positive balance for Ukraine equaled $ 162,84 million.
5. Cooperation in science and education:
Cooperation between universities and academic institutions of the two countries is actively developing. Within the InterRegional Academy of Personnel Management the Heydar Aliyev Ukrainian-Azerbaijani Institute of Social Sciences was created. The Institute activly cooperates with the Azerbaijan International University and the Baku State University (BSU). The BSU also has ties with the Kiev National Technical University, the Vinnytsia National Technical University, the Donetsk State University, the V.Karazin Kharkiv National University.
6. The legal base:
Number of agreements signed: 128.
Key bilateral documents:
Agreement on Interstate Relations between Ukraine and Azerbaijan (January 1, 1992);
Agreement on Friendship and Cooperation between Ukraine and Azerbaijan (December 9, 1992);
Agreement on Friendship, Cooperation and Partnership between Ukraine and Azerbaijan (October 16, 2001);
Joint Declaration on Friendship and Strategic Partnership between Ukraine and Azerbaijan (May 22, 2008).
7. Ukrainian community in Azerbaijan:
Total number of Ukrainians in Azerbaijan, according to the official data, is 21,5 thousand. The cultural organizations of Ukrainians in Azerbaijan: The T.Shevchenko Ukrainian Community of Azerbaijan (registered in December 1997) and The Ukrainian Congress of Azerbaijan (registered in May 2012).
8. Diplomatic mission of Ukraine in Azerbaijan:
Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Azerbaijan - http://azerbaijan.mfa.gov.ua
Republic of Belarus
Establishment of bilateral relations: December 27, 1991.
High-level Dialogue:
29.03.2014 Acting President of Ukraine Alexander Turchynov visited the Republic of Belаrus to meet President Alexander Lukashenko in Gomel city.
07.06.2014 President of the Republic of Belаrus Alexander Lukashenko paid a working visit to Ukraine to participate in the inauguration ceremony of President Petro Poroshenko
26.08.2014 – President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko visited Belаrus to take part in negotiations of the leaders of Ukraine, the Customs Union states and the EU representatives.
21.12.2014 President of the Republic of Belаrus visited Ukraine with a working visit.
Dialogue at the Level of Ministries of Foreign Affairs:
13.11.2013 Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and Belаrus met in Senkivka village (Chernihiv region, Ukraine) within the framework of opening ceremony of the first Ukrainian- Belаrusian state border sign.
Existing bilateral high-level mechanisms:
- Intergovernmental Ukrainian-Belarussian commission on trade and economic cooperation. Since its establishment in June 2000, twenty two joint meetings were held. The last one – on May 22, 2013 in Kyiv.
- Intergovernmental Ukrainian-Belarussian commission on military and technical cooperation. 5 joint meetings of Commission were held. The last one – on February 27-28, 2013 in Kyiv.
- Intergovernmental Ukrainian-Belarussian commission on scientific and technical cooperation. 9 joint meetings of Commission were held. The last one – on April 25, 2011 in Minsk.
The legal base:
Total number of signed treaties and legal documents between Ukraine and the Republic of Belаrus – 80.
Key documents: Treaty on friendship, good-neighborliness and cooperation between Ukraine and the Republic of Belаrus (of 1997); Treaty on state border between Ukraine and the Republic of Belаrus (of 1997); Consular Convention between Ukraine and the Republic of Belаrus (of 2009).
Trade and Economic Cooperation:
According to the State committee on statistics of Ukraine, bilateral trade turnover with goods and services between Ukraine and the Republic of Belаrus in 2013 equaled $ 5,81 billion. Bilateral trade balance for Ukraine was negative and equaled $ 1,60 billion.
From January to September 2014 the trade turnover of goods equaled $ 4.32 billion. Ukrainian export to Belаrus equaled $ 1,27 billion. Import – $ 3,05 billion. Bilateral trade balance during this period equaled $ 1,78 billion.
Investment Cooperation:
From January to September 2014 residents of Ukraine invested in the economy of the Republic of Belаrus $ 3,81 million (0,1 % of total Ukraine’s investments).
Belarussian residents during this period invested in Ukraine’s economy $ 61,80 million (0,1 % of total foreign investment to Ukraine).
Ukrainian community:
Total population: about 158.7 thousand people, accounting for 1,7 % of the population of the Republic of Belаrus (ranking third after Russians and Polish).
Ukrainian NGOs: Belarussian public association «Vatra»; Minsk cultural and educational society «The Center of Ukrainian culture «Sich»; Grodno cultural and educational society «Barvinok»; Ukrainian scientific and educational association «Beregynia»; Youth public association «Ukrainian musical society».
The Kingdom of Belgium
1. Recognition date: 31 December 1991
2. Diplomatic relations established: 10 March 1992
3. Political relations:
Ukraine and Belgium traditionally have friendly relations. Belgium supports Ukraine in its fight for sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence and on its way towards European integration. Belgium consistently upheld all the phases of the EU restrictive measures against the Russian Federation. Belgium allocated humanitarian aid designed for IDPs in Ukraine and contributed to financing the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine.
Political dialogue between the two countries has been gaining momentum and is underway at intergovernmental, interparliamentary and interagency levels. The latest meeting between President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko and Prime Minister of Belgium Charles Michel took place on 27 August 2015 (Brussels). In the follow-up to the meeting the Belgian Prime Minister underlined that Ukraine and Belgium are “now on the upswing of political, diplomatic and economic relations” and “are getting closer to each other in terms of values”.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin, while on a working visit to Brussels, met with Deputy Prime Minister/Minister for Foreign Affairs of Belgium Didier Reynders. On
8 December 2014 Foreign Minister Reynders paid a working visit to Ukraine – his first ever visit to a foreign country as Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. On 14 July 2015 there were held four-partite political consultations Ukraine-Benelux at the level of Political Directors of the ministries of foreign affairs of the said four states (Luxembourg).
On 24 February 2015 Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, while on a working visit to Brussels, met with the President of the House of Representatives of Belgium Siegfried Bracke. There is the Inter-parliamentary Group of Friendship Belgium-Ukraine functioning within the Belgian federal Parliament (includes 9 MPs, President – Mr. Georges Dallemagne, cdH). MPs Group on Inter-parliamentary relations with the Kingdom of Belgium was formed in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on 6 July 2015 (13 members. Co-chairs: Mr. Mustafa Nayyem and Mrs. Olena Sotnyk).
Ukraine and Belgium are members to and actively cooperate within the Joint Investigation Team to conduct a criminal investigation into the downing of flight MH17.
4. Trade and Economic Relations:
According to the State Statistics Service of Ukraine, in 2014 the export of Ukrainian goods to Belgium increased compared to 2013 by 6.0% and amounted to 425.23 mln. USD, imports of goods from Belgium decreased by 20.0% and amounted to 553.26 mln. USD. The negative balance of bilateral trade in 2014 amounted to 128.03 mln. USD.
In 2014 Ukrainian exports of services to Belgium decreased compared to the corresponding period in 2013 by 77.7% and amounted to 73.09 mln. USD. Imports of services from Belgium decreased by 31.2% and amounted to 56.40 mln. USD. The positive balance of bilateral trade in services in 2014 amounted to 16.69 mln. USD.
In the first half of 2015 exports of Ukrainian goods to Belgium decreased compared to the corresponding period of 2014 by 55.7% and amounted to 88.6 mln. USD. Ukrainian imports from Belgium decreased by 31.6% and amounted to 178.0 mln. USD. The negative balance of bilateral trade in the first half of 2015 amounted to 89,4 mln. USD.
In first half of 2015 Ukrainian exports of services to Belgium decreased compared to the first half of 2014 by 46.9% and amounted to 23.2 mln. USD. Imports of services from Belgium decreased by 7.8% and amounted to 25.5 mln. USD. The negative balance of bilateral trade in services for the first quarter of 2015 was 2.3 mln. USD.
The products exported mainly include grains; oil seeds and fruits, mineral fuels; petroleum and petroleum distillation products; inorganic chemicals; ferrous metals; textile clothing; wood and articles of wood. The Ukrainian imports from Belgium include pharmaceutical products; polymeric materials, plastics and articles of them; transport facilities excluding railway; chemical products; nuclear reactors, boilers, machines; electrical machines; meat; mineral fuel, petroleum and petroleum distillation products; alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages rinks and vinegar.
As of 01.04.2015, the Belgian investments into the Ukrainian economy amounted to 99.2 mln. USD, or 0.2% of total investments attracted into the Ukrainian economy.
5. Cultural and humanitarian cooperation:
The bilateral Ukrainian-Belgian cultural cooperation is carried out within the framework of the Agreement on Understanding and Cooperation between Ukraine and the Kingdom of Belgium, the French community of Belgium, the Flemish community of Belgium, the German-speaking community of Belgium, the Walloon region of Belgium, the Flemish region of Belgium and the Brussels-Capital Region of Belgium signed on April, 23 1997 and entered into force December 10, 2000.
In Belgium there are currently a number of Ukrainian non-governmental organizations the most active actors among which are: «Union of Ukrainian women of Belgium», «Community of Ukrainians of Belgium» (TUB), the administration of the Ukrainian school in Brussels named after Yaroslav the Wise, the Grand Prince of Kiev, the administrations of the Ukrainian schools of Antwerp and Liege, the associations «Barvinok» (Periwinkle), «Kalyna» (Guelder rose), «Edelweiss», «Saint Sophia» and the newly founded organizations «Promote Ukraine» and «Bridge EU-Ukraine».
The Ukrainian organizations of Belgium continue to provide assistance for the promotion of the Ukrainian culture; celebration of national and religious holidays and important events in the history of the Ukrainian nation; organization of charity events in Brussels in favor of Ukraine as well as Ukrainian artists performances, art exhibitions, meetings with popular Ukrainian writers, journalists, politicians and cultural figures; comprehensive development of bilateral relations between Ukraine and Belgium in the cultural sphere.
Years 2014-2015 have been characterized in Belgium by the groups of volunteers which consist of active students, doctors, pensioners and foreigners who are not indifferent to the fate of Ukraine.
There is also the bilateral cultural cooperation within the framework of town, region and university twinning.
6. Scientific and educational cooperation:
A network of inter-university partnerships between Ukraine and Belgium brings together two countries in the sphere of scientific and educational cooperation, in particular the partnerships between:
- the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kiev and the University of Antwerp;
- the National Agrarian University of Ukraine and the University of Ghent;
- the National Technical University of Poltava and the University of Mons;
- Kremenchug State Polytechnic University and the University of Mons;
- Poltava State Agrarian Academy and the University of Mons;
- Kyiv State College of variety and circus arts and ESAC (Brussels Graduate School of Circus Arts).
With the support of the Administration of External Relations of the French Community of Belgium «Wallonie-Bruxelles International” (WBI) since 2010 the Ukrainian diplomats have the opportunity to participate in the annual program for diplomats “French language and international relations» in the University of Mons.
The cooperation between the educational institutions of twin towns Donetsk and Charleroi is founded on long experience allowing the Ukrainian students to learn French.
7. Ukrainian community:
The main centers of the Ukrainian speaking population in Belgium are Brussels and suburbs of Brussels, Antwerp, Liège, Mons, Ghent, Genk, Charleroi, Namur, La Louvière, and some Ukrainians are living in Bruges, Ostend and Tournai.
The Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church traditionally play an important role in preserving of national cultural identity in Belgium having access to financial assistant from the Belgian federal government.
The parishes of the Ukrainian Churches in Belgium are constantly providing assistance for the celebration of important dates in the history of the Ukrainian nation.
In Belgium there are the Ukrainian Sunday schools located in Brussels and Antwerp, as well as the lessons of the Ukrainian language and literature in the city of Liège.
The Ukrainian ethnic group in Belgium isn’t numerous. It consists of 114 citizens of Belgium and 4350 citizens of Ukraine received a residence permit.
8.Diplomatic missions of Ukraine in Belgium:
Embassy of Ukraine to Belgium/Luxembourg http://belgium.mfa.gov.ua/ua
Mission of Ukraine to the European Union http://ukraine-eu.mfa.gov.ua/ua
Mission of Ukraine to NATO http://nato.mfa.gov.ua/ua
Bosnia and Herzegovina
1. Recognition of Ukraine by Slovakia: January 1, 1993.
2. Establishment of diplomatic relations: 30 January 1993.
3. Political relations
Relations between Ukraine and Slovakia are historically neighborly, friendly and have high level of interaction. Slovakia supports the free choice of Ukraineʼs development, its independence and territorial integrity. The logic and content of bilateral Ukrainian-Slovak relations aimed at supporting the gradual entry of our country into Europe. In the absence of problematic political issues to the forefront came solving of practical aspects and issues related to the use of Slovak integration experience gained to accelerate the practical realization of Ukraine's European integration. There is dynamic political dialogue between the states, including the highest level.
Political dialogue
15-16.11.2014 - The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine P.Klimkin paid a working visit to the Slovak Republic. This visit witnessed the confirmation of support by the Slovak side of Ukraineʼs European aspirations.
06.02.2015 – The Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic R.Fitso paid a working visit to Ukraine. The visit contributed to the practical cooperation between Kyiv and Bratislava in the field of European integration, strengthened cooperation in trade, economic and energy sectors, promoting dialogue on interregional and border cooperation.
20-21.05.2015 - The President of the Slovak Republic A.Kiska paid an official visit to Ukraine. The visit reiterated Slovakia`s solidarity with Ukraine in defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity, readiness to assist our state, showed consistent support for Ukraine towards European integration, a willingness to provide support in the areas that are most priority, readiness to continue involving Ukraine to co-operate in the framework of the Visegrad Group in the context of reform. The sides confirmed mutual interest in increasing economic and investment cooperation.
10.09.2015 - The Prime Minister of Ukraine A.Yatsenyuk paid a working visit to the Slovak Republic. During the visit, the fundamental political decision to increase the reverse supply of gas to Europe through the territory of Ukraine using existing Vojany-Uzhgorod gas pipeline was made by both sides.
Interparliamentary cooperation
Inter-parliamentary group of friendship with Ukraine of the National Council of the Slovak Republic (chairman M.Kraykovych, 44 deputies), founded in 2005, was actively with its activities as well as the deputy group of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine of inter-parliamentary relations with the Slovak Republic (co-chairman D.Andriyevskyi, 31 deputies) founded in 02.26.2015.
4. Trade and economic cooperation:
The volume of mutual trade in 2014 amounted to 1097.4 million USD, including exports from Ukraine to the SR – 670, 6 million USD (decrease 10.3%); imports (from the SR to Ukraine) - 426.8 million USD (decrease - 34.6%). The positive balance for Ukraine is 243.8 million USD.
The volume of bilateral trade between Ukraine and the Slovak Republic in 2014 amounted to 86,5 million USD. In particular, exports of services from Ukraine to the SR amounted 40,9 million USD, reduction was 18.4%; imports of services (from the SR to Ukraine) - 45.6 million USD; increase was 148.1%. The negative balance for Ukraine is 4.7 million USD.
The Slovak-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce started working since the beginning of 2015: http://suok.info/
5. Cultural and humanitarian cooperation: The cultural exchange as part of the festivals of folk art became traditional. On October 25, 2013 in the city of Prešov the Center of Ukrainian culture was opened. The Center has become a solid foundation for scientific, educational, artistic and other activities of the Ukrainian minority in Slovakia.
6. Scientific and educational cooperation.
Cooperation in science and technology develops in accordance with the signed bilateral documents. Practical cooperation in this area is carried out by the Joint Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation. The task of this committee is to identify priority areas of cooperation.
12.17.2013 The Ukrainian and Slovak sides agreed six joint projects in science and technology for their implementation by both sides during the years 2014-2015.
As for today more than 30 agreements between universities of Ukraine and Slovakia were signed. The main areas of cooperation are studentʼs exchange on full and part-time training course, trainees and graduate students exchanges, teachers and researchers in teaching and research exchange. In both countries, to meet the needs of minority schools with the study of Ukrainian and Slovak languages, respectively, were established.
7. The legal framework
Number of valid records - 95.
Number of valid records in the consular sphere - 4.
8. The Ukrainian community
Total population: about 7.5 thousand of citizens, or 0.1% of all Slovakian population (according to the last census in 2011).
The most numerous and representative organization of foreign Ukrainians in Slovakia is the Union of Rusins - Ukrainians of SR (SRUSR), Chairman - Peter Sokol;
Scout Union of Ukrainian - Rusin young people in Slovakia "Plast", headed by Levko Dovhovych; Coordinating Committee of reoptants in the Slovak Republic, Chairman - Maria Dolinska;
Slovak-Ukrainian Society, Chairman - Anton Novak;
Slovak-Ukrainian initiative, Head Lyudmila Verbytska.
9. Diplomatic and consular posts:
Embassy of Ukraine in Slovakia; Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Ukraine: http://slovakia.mfa.gov.ua/ua
The Republic of Bulgaria
1.Recognition of Ukraine: December 5, 1991.
2.Establishment of diplomatic relations: December 13, 1991.
3.Political dialogue:
On February 16, 2015 in the framework of the official visit to the Republic of Bulgaria the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin held negotiations with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria Daniel Mitov, met with with President of the National Assembly Tsetska Tsacheva and Prime Minister Boyko Borissov.
On July 5-6, 2015 the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin and the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria Daniel Mitov paid a joint visit to Odessa region to learn more about the situation with the rights of the Bulgarian national minority and practical steps to enhance Ukrainian-Bulgarian cooperation.
On July 7-8, 2015 the President of the Republic of Bulgaria paid an official visit to Ukraine.
Interparliamentary cooperation:
Parliamentary Group of Interparliamentary Relations with Bulgaria was formed on June 15, 2015 and consists of 15 deputies. The chairperson of the group is Anton Kisse.
In April, 2015 parliamentary group of friendship with Ukraine was formed in 43rd National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria. It consists of 21 deputies and chairperson is Atanas Atanasov.
4.Trade and economic cooperation:
Bulgaria is an important trade and economic partner of our country in the Balkans.
According to the State Committee of Statistics of Ukraine, in 2016 the volume of bilateral trade in goods and services decreased by 15% compared to 2015 and amounted to 638.0 million USD. Export of goods and services from Ukraine amounted to 445.0 million USD; Import from Bulgaria - 193,0 million USD. A positive trade balance for Ukraine reached 225 million USD.
Main exports: ferrous metals and their products, mechanical equipment, machinery and foodstuff.
Main imports: pharmaceuticals, petroleum products, plastics and packaging.
Investment cooperation:
According to the State Committee of Statistics of Ukraine as of October, 2016 the volume of Bulgarian FDI in Ukrainian economy (share capital) increased by 11% since the beginning of the year and amounted to 50.4 million USD. Bulgarian investments in Ukraine are concentrated mainly in chemical and pharmaceutical industry, real estate, transportation and logistics sector, food-processing industry.
5.The legal basis:
The treaty legal framework consists of 94 international documents. Key documents are: Treaty on friendship and cooperation between Ukraine and the Republic of Bulgaria (October 5, 1992). Agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of the Republic of Bulgaria on economic cooperation (November 27, 2007).
6.Ukrainian community:
The total number: according to official data Ukrainian minority in Bulgaria consists of about 1780 people (almost the same number of unregistered) who mostly live in large cities (Sofia, Varna, Burgas, Pleven, Dobrich).
Ukrainian Association: there is an officially registered Union of Ukrainian organizations in Bulgaria "MotherUkraine", composed of the following organizations: Bulgarian-Ukrainian Foundation "MotherUkraine", Company "Chernomoriye", "Diaspora-Ukraine", "Dobrydga-Ukraine" "Ukrainian house", "Plovdiv", Foundation "World fo children". Also Bulgarian-Ukrainian Foundation "Mother Ukraine" is a member of Ukrainian European Congress.
7. Diplomatic missions of Ukraine:
Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Bulgaria:
The Czech Republic
1. Recognition of Ukraine: December 5, 1991.
2. The establishment of diplomatic relations: February 18, 1992.
3. Political relations:
Friendly relations between Ukraine and Croatia are based on the old traditions of solidarity of the two Slavic nations. Ukraine was the first UN member who recognized the independence of Croatia in December 1991, and Croatia was among the first to recognize Ukraine. Croatia supports Ukraine in its struggle against the Russian aggression and as an EU member takes part in the elaborating of the European politics on this issue. Croatia also shares with Ukraine its unique experience in settling of numerous problems caused by the foreign aggression. Zagreb consequentlly supports the European integration of Ukraine and the idea of its future membership in the EU.
The high level bilateral political dialogue develops dynamically. The presidents of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko and of Croatia Kolinda Grabar Kitarovich had a talk in Poland on 7 May 2015. President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko had a meeting with the Prime-minister of Croatia Zoran Milanovich in the framework of the Riga Eastern Partnership Summit (21-22 May 2015). The Foreign Affairs Ministers Pavlo Klimkin and Vesna Pusich regularly communicate at various European forums. On the 30 of March 2015 Ukrainian – Croatian consultations on the multilateral cooperation were held in Kyiv.
Groups of friendship are formed in both parliaments.
The Intergovernmental Commission on trade and economic cooperation held already 5 sessions (the last one took place in Kyiv on 12.11.2012.)
4. Trade and economic cooperation:
In the year 2014 the turnover of bilateral trade in goods between Ukraine and Croatia amounted to USD 86.967 million what means increasing in comparison to 2013 by 9.4%. The export of goods from Ukraine to Croatia amounted to USD 39.173 million (decreased by 8.3% as to 2013) and imports to USD 47.794 million (increased by 33.1%). Bilateral trade balance was positive for Croatia and amounted to USD 8.621 million.
In the bilateral trade in services, foreign trade turnover in 2014 amounted to USD 6.903 million. Services export from Ukraine decreased compared to 2013 by 20.1% to USD 3.118 million while import amounted to USD 3.785 million (57.0% less). Thus, in 2014 the balance of bilateral trade in services was also positive for Croatia and amounted to USD 667 thousand.
The representative offices of the big Croatian companies are opened in Ukraine. Namely these are "Dalekovod" (construction of high voltage power lines), "Pliva" (pharmaceutical products), "Podravka" (food concentrates and seasoning). In particular, the "Dalekovod" company since 2010 has carried out the works in frame of joint with the international financial institutions projects aimed to modernization of the Ukrainian electric power system in cost above EUR 100 million, and in 2015 won 2 tenders and signed two contracts with "Ukrenergo" in total cost of EUR 53 million.
Since September 2013 acts the Economic Council on cooperation with Ukraine under the auspices of Croatian Chamber of Commerce.
5. Cultural and humanitarian cooperation:
Cultural and humanitarian cooperation between Ukraine and the Republic of Croatia has an active and practical nature. Two NGOs for Croatia-Ukraine cooperation and more than a 10 cultural and educational societies of the Ukrainian community are registered in Croatia. The main activity of these companionships is to present the cultural heritage of Ukraine in Croatia. The exhibitions of Ukrainian artists is held regularly in Croatia and Ukrainian writers are obligatory guests of international book fairs and festivals that take place in the largest cities of Croatia. The establishment of the monument to Taras Shevchenko in the capital of Croatia – Zagreb in 2015 became one of significant achievements in development of cultural mutuality. Also the cooperation between the regions of Ukraine and Croatian counties develops actively. Currently the sister-city relations are established between ten cities and regions of Ukraine and Croatia. A number of the periodicals in Ukrainian language are issuing in Croatia such as magazine "Visnyk", "Nasha Gazeta", "Nova Dumka", children's magazine "Vinochok", almanac "Dumky z Dunayu".
6. Scientific and educational cooperation:
The active development is in the cooperation between universities of Ukraine and Croatia. Bilateral agreements on cooperation are signed between:
- Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and the University in Zagreb
- Academy of Sciences and Arts of Croatia and the National Academy of Arts of Ukraine
- National University of the State Tax Service of Ukraine and the Economic Faculty of Zagreb University
- Institute of Journalism of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and Politology Faculty of the University in Zagreb
- Institute of Philology of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and the Faculty of Philosophy University in Zagreb
- Yuri Fedkovich Chernivtsi National University and the University in Rijeka.
Ukrainian scientists actively participate in international scientific conferences and seminars that hold in Croatia.
An important element of scientific and educational cooperation is the organization of Ukrainian language learning in Croatia. Now the Ukrainian subjects are studying in the 7 classes of four Croatian schools in Lypovlyany, Petrovtsi, Kanizhi and Shumeche which are visited by more than 50 students. The summer children schools for learning Ukrainian and Ruthenian languages are held annually in Ukraine and the Republic of Croatia. Every year the participants of the summer schools are about 100 children from diaspora families.
At the Faculty of Philosophy of University in Zagreb since 2001 exists the Cathedra of Ukrainian language and literature. The Cathedra is a basement for series of events with a presentation of Ukrainian culture, literature and science in Croatia, holding of literary evenings, conferences, demonstrations of films about Ukraine and so on.
Also the Ruthenian and Ukrainian Central Library opened in the capital of Croatia in 1995.
7. Legal basis:
Number of valid documents: 62.
Key documents:
Agreement on friendship and cooperation between the Republic of Croatia and Ukraine (24/10/2002),
Treaty between the Government of the Republic of Croatia and the Government of Ukraine on trade and economic cooperation (02/06/1994),
Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Croatia and Government of Ukraine on cooperation in the fields of culture, education, science and technology (05/06/1997),
Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Croatia and the Government of Ukraine for the avoidance of double taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income and on capital (09/10/1996),
Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Croatia and the Government of Ukraine for the promotion and reciprocal protection of investments (15/12/1997).
8. Ukrainian community:
The total number is 3.7 thousand people: Rusyns - 1.9 thousand (0.05% of the population), and Ukrainians - 1.8 thousand (0.04% of the population).
The main Diaspora organizations in the Republic of Croatia are Ukrainian community in Croatia (9 fellowships); Union of Ukrainians (6 fellowships); Union of Rusyns in Croatia (4 fellowships).
Also there are a number of other centers of the diaspora in Croatia, such as the Society of Ukrainian Culture, Society "HORUS - Croatia-Ukraine cooperation". The Society for Ukraine-Croatia friendship acts actively too.
9. Diplomatic missions of Ukraine:
The Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Croatia – htpp://croatia.mfa.gov.ua
Republic of Croatia
1. Recognition of Ukraine: December 5, 1991.
2. The establishment of diplomatic relations: February 18, 1992.
3. Political relations:
Friendly relations between Ukraine and Croatia are based on the old traditions of solidarity of the two Slavic nations. Ukraine was the first UN member who recognized the independence of Croatia in December 1991, and Croatia was among the first to recognize Ukraine. Croatia supports Ukraine in its struggle against the Russian aggression and as an EU member takes part in the elaborating of the European politics on this issue. Croatia also shares with Ukraine its unique experience in settling of numerous problems caused by the foreign aggression. Zagreb consequentlly supports the European integration of Ukraine and the idea of its future membership in the EU.
The high level bilateral political dialogue develops dynamically. The presidents of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko and of Croatia Kolinda Grabar Kitarovich had a talk in Poland on 7 May 2015. President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko had a meeting with the Prime-minister of Croatia Zoran Milanovich in the framework of the Riga Eastern Partnership Summit (21-22 May 2015). The Foreign Affairs Ministers Pavlo Klimkin and Vesna Pusich regularly communicate at various European forums. On the 30 of March 2015 Ukrainian – Croatian consultations on the multilateral cooperation were held in Kyiv.
Groups of friendship are formed in both parliaments.
The Intergovernmental Commission on trade and economic cooperation held already 5 sessions (the last one took place in Kyiv on 12.11.2012.)
4. Trade and economic cooperation:
In the year 2014 the turnover of bilateral trade in goods between Ukraine and Croatia amounted to USD 86.967 million what means increasing in comparison to 2013 by 9.4%. The export of goods from Ukraine to Croatia amounted to USD 39.173 million (decreased by 8.3% as to 2013) and imports to USD 47.794 million (increased by 33.1%). Bilateral trade balance was positive for Croatia and amounted to USD 8.621 million.
In the bilateral trade in services, foreign trade turnover in 2014 amounted to USD 6.903 million. Services export from Ukraine decreased compared to 2013 by 20.1% to USD 3.118 million while import amounted to USD 3.785 million (57.0% less). Thus, in 2014 the balance of bilateral trade in services was also positive for Croatia and amounted to USD 667 thousand.
The representative offices of the big Croatian companies are opened in Ukraine. Namely these are "Dalekovod" (construction of high voltage power lines), "Pliva" (pharmaceutical products), "Podravka" (food concentrates and seasoning). In particular, the "Dalekovod" company since 2010 has carried out the works in frame of joint with the international financial institutions projects aimed to modernization of the Ukrainian electric power system in cost above EUR 100 million, and in 2015 won 2 tenders and signed two contracts with "Ukrenergo" in total cost of EUR 53 million.
Since September 2013 acts the Economic Council on cooperation with Ukraine under the auspices of Croatian Chamber of Commerce.
5. Cultural and humanitarian cooperation:
Cultural and humanitarian cooperation between Ukraine and the Republic of Croatia has an active and practical nature. Two NGOs for Croatia-Ukraine cooperation and more than a 10 cultural and educational societies of the Ukrainian community are registered in Croatia. The main activity of these companionships is to present the cultural heritage of Ukraine in Croatia. The exhibitions of Ukrainian artists is held regularly in Croatia and Ukrainian writers are obligatory guests of international book fairs and festivals that take place in the largest cities of Croatia. The establishment of the monument to Taras Shevchenko in the capital of Croatia – Zagreb in 2015 became one of significant achievements in development of cultural mutuality. Also the cooperation between the regions of Ukraine and Croatian counties develops actively. Currently the sister-city relations are established between ten cities and regions of Ukraine and Croatia. A number of the periodicals in Ukrainian language are issuing in Croatia such as magazine "Visnyk", "Nasha Gazeta", "Nova Dumka", children's magazine "Vinochok", almanac "Dumky z Dunayu".
6. Scientific and educational cooperation:
The active development is in the cooperation between universities of Ukraine and Croatia. Bilateral agreements on cooperation are signed between:
- Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and the University in Zagreb
- Academy of Sciences and Arts of Croatia and the National Academy of Arts of Ukraine
- National University of the State Tax Service of Ukraine and the Economic Faculty of Zagreb University
- Institute of Journalism of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and Politology Faculty of the University in Zagreb
- Institute of Philology of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and the Faculty of Philosophy University in Zagreb
- Yuri Fedkovich Chernivtsi National University and the University in Rijeka.
Ukrainian scientists actively participate in international scientific conferences and seminars that hold in Croatia.
An important element of scientific and educational cooperation is the organization of Ukrainian language learning in Croatia. Now the Ukrainian subjects are studying in the 7 classes of four Croatian schools in Lypovlyany, Petrovtsi, Kanizhi and Shumeche which are visited by more than 50 students. The summer children schools for learning Ukrainian and Ruthenian languages are held annually in Ukraine and the Republic of Croatia. Every year the participants of the summer schools are about 100 children from diaspora families.
At the Faculty of Philosophy of University in Zagreb since 2001 exists the Cathedra of Ukrainian language and literature. The Cathedra is a basement for series of events with a presentation of Ukrainian culture, literature and science in Croatia, holding of literary evenings, conferences, demonstrations of films about Ukraine and so on.
Also the Ruthenian and Ukrainian Central Library opened in the capital of Croatia in 1995.
7. Legal basis:
Number of valid documents: 62.
Key documents:
Agreement on friendship and cooperation between the Republic of Croatia and Ukraine (24/10/2002),
Treaty between the Government of the Republic of Croatia and the Government of Ukraine on trade and economic cooperation (02/06/1994),
Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Croatia and Government of Ukraine on cooperation in the fields of culture, education, science and technology (05/06/1997),
Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Croatia and the Government of Ukraine for the avoidance of double taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income and on capital (09/10/1996),
Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Croatia and the Government of Ukraine for the promotion and reciprocal protection of investments (15/12/1997).
8. Ukrainian community:
The total number is 3.7 thousand people: Rusyns - 1.9 thousand (0.05% of the population), and Ukrainians - 1.8 thousand (0.04% of the population).
The main Diaspora organizations in the Republic of Croatia are Ukrainian community in Croatia (9 fellowships); Union of Ukrainians (6 fellowships); Union of Rusyns in Croatia (4 fellowships).
Also there are a number of other centers of the diaspora in Croatia, such as the Society of Ukrainian Culture, Society "HORUS - Croatia-Ukraine cooperation". The Society for Ukraine-Croatia friendship acts actively too.
9. Diplomatic missions of Ukraine:
The Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Croatia – htpp://croatia.mfa.gov.ua
Republic of Cyprus
1. Recognition of Ukraine’s independence by the Republic of Cyprus: December 27, 1991.
2. Establishment of diplomatic relations between Ukraine and the Republic of Cyprus: February 19, 1992.
3. Political relations:
Bilateral cooperation between Ukraine and the Republic of Cyprus is traditionally developing in the spirit of mutual understanding and trust. The good relations are based on spiritual closeness of Ukrainian and Cypriot peoples and similar positions of two countries on many issues of international interest.
Cyprus supports the territorial integrity of Ukraine and joins the general EU position on the need for peaceful settlement of the conflict in Ukraine caused by Russian aggression.
The bilateral political dialogue is held on the regular basis between the leaders of Ukraine and Cyprus in the framework of international events as well as in bilateral format.
On July 3-5, 2011 the first in the history of Ukrainian-Cypriot relations official visit of President of the Republic of Cyprus Mr. Demetris Christofias to Ukraine was held. This visit became a significant event which witnessed the transition of bilateral relations to the highest political level. It also gave an impetus to the intensification of the political dialogue as well as deepening of Ukrainian-Cypriot cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.
On November 8-9, 2012 the President of Ukraine paid an official visit of to the Republic of Cyprus upon the invitation of the President Mr. Demetris Christofias. It was the first in the history of Ukrainian-Cypriot relations visit of Ukrainian President to this island country.
The Groups of Friendship on inter-parliamentary cooperation are working in the Parliaments of the two countries. The Cyprus - Ukraine Group of Friendship in the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus was created in 2012. It consists of 9 members of the Cyprus Parliament.
On February 19, 2015 formed the inter-parliamentary Group of Friendship with the Republic of Cyprus was formed in Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, composed of 16 deputies.
4. Trade and economic relations:
Cyprus is a major trade and investment partner of Ukraine.
In 2014 the volume of bilateral trade in goods and services between Ukraine and Cyprus amounted to $1.3 billion.
Exports of goods and services from Ukraine to the Republic of Cyprus during 2014 increased by 20.5% to $744.8 million. Meanwhile, imports of goods and services decreased by 47.4% to $562.8 million. Due to the sharp reduction in imports of goods and services, balance of bilateral trade became positive for Ukraine and amounted to $182 million.
During the period of January - June 2015, exports of goods and services from Ukraine to the Republic of Cyprus amounted to about $153.5 million. The import of goods and services from Cyprus amounted to $136.2 million.
The most important goods of Ukrainian exports to Cyprus are products for agricultural purposes.
The most important goods of Cypriot exports to Ukraine are: vegetables and fruit, mandarins and other citrus fruits, consulting services.
The tourist flow from Ukraine to Cyprus is consistently increasing. The number of tourists from Ukraine in 2012 amounted to 20 thousand persons in 2013 - 34 thousand, in 2014 – around 42 thousand.
About 10 Cypriot companies have representative offices in Ukraine (law firms and developers), the total direct Cypriot investment, as of 1 July 2015, was amounted to $12.3 billion. The share of the Republic of Cyprus in total investment amounted to 28.6%. For a long time Cyprus is remaining a leader of direct foreign investments in the Ukrainian economy.
There are several thousand legal entities (limited liability companies, trusts, etc.) with the Ukrainian capital registered in Cyprus. There is also a branch of Ukrainian commercial bank in Cyprus - JSC "Pryvatbank". The volume of direct Ukrainian investments in the economy of Cyprus, as of July 1, 2015, amounted to $5.8 bln. or 93% of total Ukrainian direct investments from abroad.
Since 2006 Cyprus-Ukrainian Business Association at the Chamber of Commerce of Cyprus is permanently functioning. The aim of the Association is the development of Ukrainian-Cypriot business cooperation.
In 2013 the Joint Ukraine – Cyprus Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Scientific, Technical and Industrial Co-operation was established. The priority of its work is to develop mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation in banking, energy, agriculture and tourism spheres.
5. Cultural and humanitarian cooperation:
Cooperation in cultural and humanitarian spheres between Ukraine and Cyprus is based on an Agreement between the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Government of the Republic of Cyprus on cooperation in the sphere of culture dated 25.06.2010. In addition, in 2015 a bilateral Program of Cultural Cooperation between the Ministry of Culture Ukraine and the Ministry of education and culture of Cyprus was signed. Performances of dance and singing groups of Cyprus in Ukraine and those of Ukraine in Cyprus, as well as their participation in international festivals in both countries are holding on an ongoing basis.
6. Scientific and educational cooperation:
Ukraine and Cyprus are brought together by a wide network of university partnerships. Within this partnership the exchange of students, academic staff, researchers and other staff is conducting, as well as joint organization of training courses, seminars and symposia, exchange of information, documentation, publications and research results is being held on regular basis.
The following universities concluded agreements on mutual understanding and cooperation:
- Institute of International Relations of Kyiv National University of Taras Shevchenko and European University of Nicosia;
- Odessa State Economic University and Cyprus College of Tourism and Hotel Management;
- Odessa State Economic University and University of Cyprus;
- Odessa National University of I.Mechnikov and University of Cyprus;
- Odessa National University of I.Mechnikov and University of Nicosia;
- Odessa National University "Odessa National Academy of Law" and University of Nicosia;
- Mariupol State Humanitarian University and Cyprus College of Tourism and Hotel Management;
- Mariupol State Humanitarian University and University of Nicosia.
7. Treaty Legal Framework of Ukrainian-Cyprus Bilateral Relations:
Number of valid documents: 24.
Key documents:
- Protocol on the establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Ukraine and the Republic of Cyprus;
- Agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of the Republic of Cyprus on economic, scientific, technical and industrial cooperation;
- Air Services Agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of the Republic of Cyprus;
- Memorandum of Understanding between the State Department for Financial Monitoring within the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine and the Unit for Combating money Laundering (MOKAS) of the Republic of Cyprus concerning Cooperation in the exchange of Financial Intelligence related to money Laundering;
- Agreement between Ukraine and the Republic of Cyprus on Legal Assistance in Civil Matters;
- Agreement between the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Government of the Republic of Cyprus on Co-operation in the Field of Tourism;
- Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus for cooperation on European Union related matters;
- Convention between the Government of Ukraine and the Republic of Cyprus for the avoidance of double taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income.
8. Ukrainian community in Cyprus:
In the Republic of Cyprus the Ukrainian community reaches about 3.5 thousand persons. The overwhelming majority of Ukrainians who live in Cyprus – Ukrainians, married to citizens of Cyprus or other EU citizens. About 500 people stay in Cyprus for work. There are no officially registered societies, associations and Ukrainian diaspora organizations in Cyprus.
Kingdom of Denmark
1. Recognition of the independence of Ukraine: 31 December 1991
2. Establishment of diplomatic relations: 12 February 1992
3. Political relations:
Relations between Ukraine and Denmark has high level of mutual understanding and cooperation, support, dynamic development of cooperation in the political, economic, military, humanitarian and other areas. Copenhagen condemned Russia’s actions aimed at undermining sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, including illegal annexation of a part of its territory. Moreover, Denmark has become a leading contributor to the initiatives under the international organizations and institutions (the UN, OSCE, EU, NATO) targeting Moscow’s non-compliance with the international law and its international commitments. Contacts between two countries develop dynamically at the highest and expert levels. Minister for Foreign Affairs of Denmark Martin Lidegaard participated in the International Support for Ukraine Conference on April 28, 2015 in Kyiv and many times co-organized the Friends of Ukraine in the EU + Ukraine ministerial meetings. There is active dialogue between Danish and Ukrainian parliaments. On March 16, 2015 in Kyiv Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman welcomed Speaker of the Folketinget of Denmark Mogens Lykketoft visiting Ukraine together with the heads of parliament of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Finland, Lithuania and Latvia. Delegations of parliamentary committees regularly visit Ukraine and Denmark. There is active cooperation in inter-parliamentary forums, including OSCE PA, PACE.
Trade and economic cooperation
Among the priorities of the Ukrainian-Danish cooperation in this sphere are the investment projects, implementation of Danish experience and technologies in Ukraine’s energy sector, technical assistance cooperation.
According to the statistics in the first half of 2015, bilateral goods and services trade turnover decreased by 30 % amounting to 195,8 mil. USD. The volumes of Ukrainian exports equaled to 119,8 mil. USD, which makes 17 % less comparing to the last year’s figures. Danish imports fall to 76 mil. USD - 43 % less since the last year.
As a result of the first half of 2015, Ukraine has increased its positive trade balance to 43,8 mil. USD.
The following categories of goods were among major positions of Ukrainian exports to Denmark: textile and clothes, furniture, crude steel and products, byproducts of the food sector etc.
At the same time Ukraine imported the following products: reactors, boiler heaters, protein products, electrical machinery, chemical products, plastics etc.
In 2010 the Danish Business Association was opened in Lviv to facilitate economic activity in Ukraine of some 140 Danish companies.
In 2015 Danish investments in the Ukrainian economy amounted to 140 mil. USD and were addressed mainly to the agriculture, processing industry, textile industry, wholesale and retail trade.
Science and education
Recently cooperation between the two countries in education sphere has been developing through exchanges of students and professors of the educational bodies of Ukraine and Denmark. In particular, since 2014 Poltava State Pedagogical University has been continuing students exchange programme with the Copenhagen’s Zahle School.
Bilateral legal base
Number of enforced agreements: 54
Recently the development of the bilateral legal base has been achieved through signing of the agreements on military and technical cooperation, investments and energy sectors:
- Technical agreement between the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and Tactical Air Command of the Kingdom of Denmark on the operation “Northern Falcons 2015” (2014);
- Agreement between the Ministry of Energy and Coal Industry of Ukraine and Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding development and cooperation concerning “Ukrainian-Danish Energy Center” (2014);
- Memorandum on cooperation between the Lviv City Administration and the Danish Business Association on promotion of the foreign investment in the economy of Lviv Oblast (2015).
Cooperation in cultural sphere and Ukrainian diaspora in Denmark
There are about eight thousands of Ukrainians living in Denmark. The majority of Ukrainians live in Jutland peninsula. The Ukrainian diaspora has the official status of the association of foreign citizens. The interests of Ukrainian diaspora in Denmark are promoted by several Ukrainian youth organizations "Lastivka", "Club Ukraina" and "Faino".
The Danish-Ukrainian Society (DUS) is a major scientific and educational organization founded in 1992 and has 109 members.
The Embassy of Ukraine to Denmark with the collaboration of DUS and Ukrainian youth organizations promotes fine arts and contemporary Ukrainian artists and conduct concerts of Ukrainian singers. In 2013 with the support from Ukrainian youth organization "Lastivka” the Ukrainian Sunday school was opened to provide lessons for young Ukrainians living in Denmark.
The Republic of Estonia
1.Recognition of Ukraine: 26 August 1991.
2.Establishment of the diplomatic relations: 4 January 1992.
3.Political relations
Relations of Ukraine with the Republic of Estonia have old history and at present are characterized with the high level of trust and interaction. Estonia had an active position in the support of Ukraine both during the Revolution of dignity and in the context of the illegal annexation of Crimea and Russian aggression in the Eeast fo Ukraine. Estonia is actively emgaged in conducting European reforms in Ukraine and supports Eurointegration course of Kyiv. There a dynamic political dialogue between states, including that at the highest level. President of Estonia toomas hendrik Ilves visited Kyiv last time on Septrember 11-14, 2014 to participate in the 11th annual meeting Yalta European strategy. Presidet ofurkiane visited Estonia on October 15, 2013. there is a bilateral dialogue on permanent basis at the intergovernmental, interparliamentiram and inter-ministerial levels, including the one beyween the Minister for Foreign Affairs of ukriane Pavlo Klimkin and Minister for Foreign affairs of the Republic of Estonia Marina Kaljurand. Traditionally active is the Deputy group of the Riigikogu “Estonia-Ukraine” (chairman –Johannes Kert, 11 deputies), as well as the Group of the Verkhovna Rada of Urkiane on the interparliamentarian connections with the Republic of Estonia (chairman –B. Bereza, 32 deputies).
4.Trade and economic relations
In 2014 the volume of the bilateral trade of goods was 140.9 million USD. Export of goods from Ukraine was 76.3 million USD. Import of goods to Ukraine was 64.7 million USD. Positive trade balance – 11.6 million USD.
In 2014 the volume of the bilateral trade of services was 132.4 million USD. Export of goods from Ukraine was 100.7 million USD. Import of services to Ukraine – 31.7 million USD. Positive trade balance – 69 million USD.
A raise occurred in the volume of services, rendered by Ukraine to Estonia (almost twice) – for 50.1 million USD.
In the first part of 2015 volume of turnover of goods and services was 135 million USD. Export of goods from Ukraine was 26.5 million USD. Import of goods to Ukraine was 46.45 million USD. Negative balance - 19,95 million USD.
Export of services from Ukraine was 52.3 million USD. Import of goods to Ukraine was 9.3 million USD. Positive balance +43.03 million USD.
The most important articles of the Ukrainian export to Estonia are: ferrous metals and their products, wood and wood products, electric machines, nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, railway locomotives, meat and edible offal, vegetables, edible fruits and nuts, cereals, products of the milling industry, seeds and oleaginous fruits, fats and oils of vegetable or animal origin, prepared foods of corn, cacao and products thereof, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and vinegar, plastics, polymers, rubber, rubber, paper and cardboard, clothing and other textile products , stone, plaster and cement.
The most important articles of the Estonian export to Ukraine are: fish and shellfish, meat, fish, mineral fuel, oil and refining products, pharmaceutical products, tanning extracts, various chemical products, plastics, polymeric materials, wood and wood products, paper and cardboard, clothing, steel and articles thereof, Electric, nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, railway locomotives, and furniture.
Direct investment of Estonia in Ukraine as of 31 March 2015 was 273.4 million EURO (according to the Estonian statistics). Volume of investments from Ukraine in the economy of Estonia was 115 million EURO (according to the Estonian statistics).
From 2010 at the permanent basis the Intergovernmental commission on economic, industry and science and technical cooperation is working. Last meeting of the Commission was held in December 2013, following meeting is planned in 2016.
In Estonia a number of representations of the enterprises and organizations of Ukraine, including 3 branches and 110 organizations with joint capital are registered. At the Estonian market a network of the distribution firms, which conduct realization of the production of the Ukrainian origin, is successfully developing
5.Cultural and humanitarian cooperation
In Estonia the exhibitions and concerts of the Ukrainian artists are held, Ukrainian films and documentaries are represented at the cinema festival “POFF”, National opera of Ukraine and the Ballet troupe of the National opera took part in the local culture festivals in 2014. Cooperation in the framework of the twinning cities and regions and universities has a massive scale.
6. Science and education cooperation
Ukraine and Estonia are united by the wide network of the interuniversity and interschool partnerships. The most serious are, in particular, partnerships between such educational establishments:
- Dragomanov National pedagogical university and Tallinn university;
- Diplomatic academy of Ukraine of the MFA of Ukraine and Estonian school of diplomacy;
- National technical University of Ukraine “Kyiv polytechnic institute” and Tallinn technical university;
- National agrarian university of Ukraine and Tartu agrarian university;
- Estonian business-school and Kyiv national economic university and Kyiv institute of international management;
- Odessa national maritime university and Estonian maritime academy;
- Ternopil technical university and Tallinn technical university.
7. Treaty basis
Number of the instruments in force: 69.
Key instruments:
- Treaty on friendship and cooperation between Ukraine and the Republic of Estonia of 26 May 1992 (entered into force – 06.08.93);
- Treaty between Ukraine and the Republic of Estonia on the legal assistance and legal relations in civil and criminal cases (entered into force – 22.11.95);
- Declaration on deepening cooperation and partnership between Ukraine and the Republic of Estonia (entered into force – 24.05.95);
- Agreement between Ukraine and the Republic of Estonia in the sphere of social insurance (entered into force – 01.02.2012).
8. Ukrainian community
Main centers of Ukrainians in EStonuia are cities of Narva, sillamae, Kohtla-jarve, Johvi (North-East region of Estonia), Tallinn, Tartu, Maardu, Parnu, Oisu, Valga. Acorsing to the recent census of 2011 in Estonia there are over 22 thousand people with the Ukrainian origin. There are twenty six Ukrainian national and cultural organizations which are united in the Congress of Ukrainians of Estonia and Association of the Ukrainian organizations in Estonia. The main direction of activity is cultural and educational.
9. Diplomatic missions of Ukraine:
Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Estonia – http://estonia.mfa.gov.ua/en
The Republic of Finland
1. Date of the recognition of independence of Ukraine: December 30, 1991.
2. Date of establishment of diplomatic relations: February 26, 1992.
3. Political issues
The relations between Ukraine and Finland have a long historical tradition and are characterized today by a high level of mutual trust and cooperation.
Finland demonstrates active position in supporting Ukraine during the Revolution of Dignity as well as in the face of Russian aggression and the illegal occupation of the Crimea.
Republic of Finland is interested in success and provides practical support for structural reforms in Ukraine, positively assess European integration course of Ukraine.
Relations between Ukraine and Finland are marked by dynamic political dialogue at the highest level.
The last meeting between the President of Ukraine and the President of Finland took place on May 14, 2015 in the city of Aachen (Germany), there are regular phone contacts to exchange information on the development of situation in the east of Ukraine and the status of implementation of the Minsk Agreements. Contacts at the intergovernmental and interdepartmental levels require intensification.
In order to enhance inter-parliamentary cooperation organization of visit of the Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine to Finland is on the bilateral agenda. The Group of deputies of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on inter-parliamentary cooperation with the Republic of Finland was formed in March 2015 (head – S.Khlan’).
The parliamentary Group of friendship with Ukraine was functioning in the Parliament of Finland from March 2012 to April 2015. After April parliamentary elections in 2015 the formation of a new parliamentary Friendship group with Ukraine is underway in the Finnish Parliament.
4. Trade and economic cooperation:
According to the State Statistics Service of Ukraine in the first half of 2015, overall turnover of trade in goods and services between Ukraine and Finland amounted to $140,4 mln USD, declined by 35,8% ($218,8 mln USD at the same period of the last year), including exports - $31,9 mln USD, decreased by 36,2% (in the first half of 2014 - $50,0 mln USD), imports - $108,5 mln USD, decreased by 35,7% in the first half of 2014 - $168,8 mln USD). Trade balance remains negative - $76,6 mln USD.
Trade in goods
Іn the first half of 2015 the indicator of bilateral trade in goods decreased by 38% and amounted to $115.8 mln USD ($187.0 mln USD in the first half of 2014), including exports - $17,1 mln USD (declined by 48.5%), imports - $98.7 mln USD (declined by 35.8%), negative balance for Ukraine - $81.6 mln USD.
Commodity structure of exports: nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery (35.3%), ferrous metals (31.6%), paper and cardboard (11.1%) made-up textile articles (6.5%), mineral fuels, crude oil and refined products (5.5%), products made from ferrous metals (2.6%), furniture (1.6%), vehicles (1.2%), stone, plaster, cement (1.1% ), land transport vehicles, except railway (0.8%) seeds and oleaginous fruits (0.7%), plastics, polymeric materials (0.6%).
Commodity structure of imports: paper and cardboard (41.2%), plastics, polymeric materials (7.9%), ferrous metals (7.3%), fertilizers (7.1%), mineral fuels, crude oil and refined products (6.7%), nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery (5.0%), electrical machinery (4.7%), pharmaceutical products (4.0%), tanning extracts (1.7%), optical, photographic devices and equipment (1.4%), alcoholic and soft drinks and vinegar (1.3%).
Trade in services
Іn the first half of 2015 the volume of trade in services, compared to the same period of the last year, decreased by 22.6% and amounted to $24.6 mln USD ($31.8 mln USD in the first half of 2014), including exports - $14,8 mln USD (declined by 11.9%), imports - $9,8 mln USD (declined by 34.6%), active balance for Ukraine is $5,0 mln USD.
The structure of exports of services: insurance services (48.9%), business services (25.8%), transportation (17.3%), computer and information services (2.4%), services related to travel (1.4%), construction services (1.3%).
The structure of imports of services: computer and information services (35.3%), insurance services (23.8%), business services (21.3%), transportation (8.5%), services related to travel (6.4%), public and government services (2.6%), services related to financial activities (1.9%).
Investment cooperation
As of 01.04.2015 Finnish direct investments in Ukraine economy amounted to $91,2 mln USD (as of 01.01.2015 - $103.3 million USD, as of 01.01.2014 - $118.2 million USD).
Finnish investments in Ukraine's economy were directed to wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (59,8%), industry (24,9%), administrative services (10,6%), professional, scientific and technical services (3,1%).
There are over 70 companies with the Finnish investments in the Ukrainian market («Nokia», «Kone», «M-Real», «Rautaruukki», «Orion Pharma», «Konekreyns», «Lumen groups» are among them).
5. Cultural and humanitarian issues:
The cooperation in cultural and humanitarian spheres is focused on organizing art exhibitions, concert tours, lectures, conducting of thematic round tables.
The Association of Ukrainians in Finland plays the important role in the developing cultural cooperation between two countries.
The International Ukrainian cultural Center (Tampere) facilitates the familiarization of Finnish society with Ukrainian traditions, culture and art.
Sister-city relations and cooperation between cities of Ukraine and Finland also facilitates Ukrainian-Finnish bilateral ties (Kyiv-Helsinki, Kyiv-Tampere, Odessa-Oulu, Zaporizhzhya-Lahti, Novograd-Volynskyi (Zhytomyr region)-Suomussalmi).
6. Scientific and educational cooperation:
Ukraine and Finland develop cooperation at inter-universities and inter-schools levels.
The «Ukrainian Studies» program was launched at Aleksanteri Institute of the University of Helsinki in September 2008 with assistance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education of Finland.
The program aims at spreading knowledge about Ukraine among students and researchers of higher education institutions in Finland, provides opportunity to Finnish and foreign students to study Ukrainian language, literature, history and cultural as well as to carry out research and student exchanges.
Since January 2007, Ukrainian language is taught at the Department of Slavic and Baltic Languages and Literature of Helsinki University at the facultative basis.
Finnish language studies are functional in a number of Ukrainian universities. Swedish and Finnish languages are major languages at Kiev «Scandinavian Gymnasium».
7. The legal base:
The present agreements between Ukraine and Finland – 37.
Main documents:
- Agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of the Republic of Finland on the Establishment of Diplomatic and Consular Relations dated 26.02.1992;
- Agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of the Republic of Finland on Trade and Economic Cooperation dated 14.05.1992;
- Framework Agreement between Ukraine and the Nordic Investment Bank dated 23.12.2005.
8. Ukrainians in Finland
Ukrainian communities live predominantly in Helsinki, Tampere, Jyväskylä, Turku, Oulu and Salo.
Ukrainian diaspora has been formed during the last 12-15 years and comprises approx. 2 000 persons.
Association of Ukrainians is established in Helsinki, Turku and Tampere.
9. Diplomatic missions of Ukraine in Finland:
Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Finland – http://finland.mfa.gov.ua
French Republic
Recognition of Ukraine: 27 December 1991
Establishment of diplomatic relations: 24 January 1992
Key Contacts at the highest and high level during 2015:
January 11, 2015 – visit of the President of Ukraine to Paris to participate in the “Unity March” initiated by president of France after the terrorist attacks in France.
January 14, 2015 - telephone conversation of the President of Ukraine with the French President and the German Chancellor.
February 5, 2015 - visit of the French President and the German Chancellor to Kyiv.
February 12, 2015 - meeting of the President of Ukraine with the presidents of France, Russia and German Chancellor in Minsk.
February 15, 2015 - telephone conversation of the President of Ukraine with the presidents of France, Russia and the German Chancellor.
March 2, 2015 - telephone conversation of the President of Ukraine with the presidents of France, Russia and the German Chancellor.
March 10, 2015 – telephone conversation of the President of Ukraine with the President of France.
April 8, 2015 p. - working visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine to Paris.
April 22, 2015 - official visit of the President of Ukraine to France.
April 30, 2015 – telephone conversation of the President of Ukraine with the presidents of France, Russia and the German Chancellor.
May 13, 2015 – visit of the Prime-minister of Ukraine to France.
May 14, 2015 - bilateral meeting of the presidents of Ukraine and France in Aachen.
May 21-22, 2015- bilateral meeting of Presidents of Ukraine and France in the framework of the Eastern Partnership Summit in Riga.
June 24, 2015 – “Normandy” format ministerial meeting in Paris.
July 10, 2015 - telephone conversation of the President of Ukraine with the President of France and the German Chancellor.
July 17, 2015 – telephone conversation of the President of Ukraine with the presidents of France, Russia and the German Chancellor.
August 24, 2015 - meeting of the President of Ukraine with the French President and the German Chancellor in Berlin.
September 9, 2015 - telephone conversation of the President of Ukraine with the presidents of France, Russia and the German Chancellor.
Interparliamentary cooperation
Key contacts during 2015:
May 20-23, 2015 - visit to Ukraine of French deputies - members of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the National Assembly.
June 1-6, 2015 - visit of the group of friendship "France-Ukraine" of the French Senate to Ukraine.
June 8-13, 2015 - visit to Paris of the group of friendship Ukraine-France of Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
July 5-8, 2015 - visit of the Committee on State Construction, Regional Policy and Local Government members of Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine .
Existing bilateral high-level authorities: Ukrainian-French Intergovernmental Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation (last meeting was held in 2011 in Paris, the 7th meeting scheduled for the beginning of 2016 in Kiev), Ukrainian-French Mixed Commission on Cultural, Scientific and Technical Cooperation (last meeting was held in Paris on February 13, 2008); Ukrainian-French Mixed Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (last meeting was held in 2012 in Kyiv).
Trade and economic cooperation:
In 2014 the volume of bilateral trade in goods and services between Ukraine and France decreased by 24.6% (comparing to 2013) and amounted to 2,0 billion of US dollars.
Ukrainian exports of goods and services to France fell by 19.7% and amounted to 657,3 million of US dollars. French imports of goods and services to Ukraine decreased by 26,7% to 1,4 billion of US dollars. Due to the significant decline in imports, the trade balance which is traditionally negative for Ukraine declined and amounted to 726,0 million of US dollars (against 1,1 billion of US dollars in 2013).
In the first semester of 2015 Ukrainian exports of goods and services to France fell by 33.8% comparing to the same period of 2014 and amounted to 215,9 million of US dollars. French imports of goods and services to Ukraine decreased by -31.0% and amounted to 510,6 million of US dollars. The balance is negative for Ukraine and equals to –294,8 million of US dollars.
Ukrainian export to France is based on residues and waste from the food industry, inorganic chemical products, edible fruits and nuts, textiles and clothing, wood and wood products.
French import to Ukraine is based on chemical and pharmaceutical products, essential oils, vehicles other than railway, nuclear reactors, boilers and machinery.
More than 150 French companies have their representative offices in Ukraine. As of July 1, 2015 the total volume of French investments in Ukraine amounts to 1,5 billion of US dollars which represents 3.6% in overall volume of foreign investments in Ukraine. Ukrainian investments in France equal 143,03 thousand of US dollars.
Intergovernmental economic cooperation between Ukraine and France is based on the bilateral Intergovernmental Economic Commission (IEC) as well as the meetings of sectoral working groups: on Transport (last meeting was held in February 2015), on Agriculture (last meeting was held in December 2014), on Environment (last meeting was in June 2015).
The Ukrainian-French culture cooperation
Since 1992, the French Cultural Centre which officially opened in 1994 carries out its activities in Kyiv. He is the main link in a network that includes five regional centers created in Kharkiv, Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, Lviv and Odessa. Since 2004, the Embassy of Ukraine in France operates Culture and Information Centre which regularly proposes to French public arts, information and cultural events.
Among the significant events that helped popularize Ukrainian cultural and artistic heritage in France was Johann George Pinzel, famous Ukrainian sculptor of the Baroque period (exhibition in Louvre Museum Paris in 2012-2013).
In April 2015, the multidisciplinary festival of contemporary Ukrainian art "Ukraine - free scene” was held in Paris. The festival program included films as a part of the Week of Ukrainian cinema, performances of Vlad Troïtsky theater Dakh and the Dakh Daughters group, contemporary art exhibitions, literary meetings, concerts of V.Silvestrov and other performers.
On the 8th of June the Photo exhibition of works “Donbass: War and Peace” made by famous Ukrainian and foreign correspondents from the ATO area was opened in the Ukrainian Embassy Cultural Center in the presence of Ukrainian deputies - members of the interparliamentary group of friendship "Ukraine-France" of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and their French colleagues.
During last 6 months a series of charity concerts of classical music in favor of the Ukrainian military and orphans of the soldiers participating in ATO take place in the UkrainianEmbassyCulturalCenter. Such famous musicians as D.Sukhoviyenko (piano) and O.Semchuk (violin) gave charity concerts in Paris.
Scientific and technical cooperation:
Ukrainian-French cooperation in education and science is based on the intergovernmental agreement on cultural, scientific and technical cooperation signed on October 19, 1995. Intergovernmental agreement on mutual recognition of academic degrees and titles was signed in 2005.
In the framework of the Joint Action Programme "Dnipro" on scientific and technological cooperation between Ukraine and France, the meetings of Ukrainian-French Mixed Committee for selection of research projects take place every two years.
Number of valid treaties: 66.
Key treaties: Agreement of Understanding and Cooperation between Ukraine and the French Republic (16.06.1992); Agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of the French Republic on the mutual promotion and mutual protection of investments; Convention between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of the French Republic for the avoidance of double taxation and prevention fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income and property (31.01.1997); Agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of the French Republic on cultural, scientific and technical cooperation (10.19.1995).
Ukrainian community
According to unofficial statistics, about 40 thousands of citizens of Ukrainian origin live in France. The majority of them are descendants of the labor and political exiles and displaced persons.
The first known people from the Ukrainian lands, who settled in France, was the daughter of the Grand Prince Yaroslav the Wise - Anna Yaroslavna, who in 1051 married the King of France Henri I, and her retinue.
The main wave of Ukrainian immigration to France occurred in the aftermath of the First and the Second World Wars.
The first Ukrainian organization originated in France in 1908 was "Ukrainian Circle in Paris." From 1933 to the present day the newspapers "Ukrainian word" is published in Paris.
Today in France there are some Ukrainian social and political organizations, which in 1997 united in the Representative Committee of Ukrainian community in France. The Committee, including in particular the "Ukrainian’s Union of France", "Association of Frenchmen of Ukrainian origin," "Union of Ukrainian women in France", "Association of former soldiers UNR Army", "Union of Ukrainian Youth", " Union of Ukrainian Students", coordinates almost all Ukrainians’ social and cultural life in France. Chairman of the Committee elected in 2015 is Taras Horiszny, the speaker of the Committee is Natalka Pasternak, who heads Ukraine-Art Association and was the Chairman of the Committee for nine years.
Since 1951, in the town of Sarcelles near Paris, the European branch of the Shevchenko Scientific Society carries out its work. It was focused on the publication of "Encyclopedia of Ukrainian Studies." Shevchenko Scientific Society has a large archive and library that counts 25 thousand volumes. Chairman of the Shevchenko Scientific Society is Volodymyr Kosyk, Professor of the Ukrainian Free University in Munich. The Ukrainian Library Simon Petlura exists in Paris from 1929 and preserves in its collections books, documents, archives, in particular,those concerning Ukrainian state of 1917-1921. The Director of the Library is Jaroslava Josypyszyn.
Ukrainian identity is maintained due to the work of Ukrainian Saturday schools. Two of them provide training in Paris and in Strasbourg. Since 2005, the Cultural and InformationCenter of the Embassy houses s the Ukrainian school of Arts, which provides educational services according to the agreement with Ukraine’s Ministry of Education on the basis of the UkrainianInternationalSchool’s program.
The National Institute of Oriental Languages and Civilizations - Paris Sorbonne has a Ukrainian department. The Head of the Department is Irina Dmytryshyn. In July 2015, a Cooperation Agreement was signed between the said Institute and Kyiv-MohylaAcademy.
Nowadays, there are not many Ukrainian artistic groups in France. The most popular and active is the Choir of St. Volodymyr in Paris, conducted by Lessia Mykytyn.
Diplomatic mission: The Embassy of Ukraine in the French Republic http://france.mfa.gov.ua
Federal Republic of Germany
1. Recognition of Ukraine: December 26, 1991
2. Establishment of diplomatic relations: January 17, 1992
3. High-level Dialogue:
Visits of senior officials:
- March 6, 2014 - meeting of the Prime Minister of Ukraine A.Yatseniuk with the Federal Chancellor of Germany A.Merkel (Brussels);
- March 7, 2014 - visit to Ukraine of the Vice Chancellor and Minister of Economy and Energy S.Gabriel. Meeting with the Prime Minister of Ukraine A.Yatseniuk;
- March 21, 2014 - meeting of the Prime Minister of Ukraine A.Yatseniuk with the Federal Chancellor of Germany A.Merkel (Brussels);
- May 28-29, 2014 - working visit of the Prime Minister of Ukraine A.Yatseniuk to Germany (Berlin, Aachen). Meeting with the Federal Chancellor of Germany A.Merkel;
- June 5, 2014 - working visit of the newly elected President of Ukraine P.Poroshenko to Germany. Meeting with the Federal Chancellor of Germany A.Merkel;
- June 6, 2014 - meeting of the President of Ukraine P.Poroshenko with the Federal Chancellor of Germany A.Merkel during the celebration on the 70th anniversary of the landing of Anti-Hitler’s coalition troops in Normandy;
- June 7, 2014 - working visit of the Federal President of Germany J.Gauck to Ukraine aimed at the participation in the inauguration ceremony of the President of Ukraine P.Poroshenko;
- June 27, 2014 - meeting of the President of Ukraine P.Poroshenko with the Federal Chancellor of Germany A.Merkel (Brussels);
- August 23, 2014 - working visit to Ukraine of the Federal Chancellor of Germany A.Merkel;
- September 5, 2014 – meeting of the President of Ukraine P.Poroshenko with the Federal Chancellor of Germany A.Merkel during the NATO’s summit (Newport);
- October 16, 2014 - meeting of the President of Ukraine P.Poroshenko with the Federal Chancellor of Germany A.Merkel during ASEM’s summit (Milan);
- November 16, 2014 – meeting of the President of Ukraine P.Poroshenko with the Federal President of Germany J.Gauck during the Visegrad Group’s Summit + Germany and Ukraine (Bratislava).
- 7-8 of January 2015 - working visit of Prime Minister of Ukraine Arseniy Yatsenyuk to Germany
- - 6-7 of February 2015 - working visit of President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko to Germany in order to attend the Munich Security Conference
- - 15-16 of March 2015 - official visit of President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko to Germany (Dresden, Berlin)
- - 1-2 of April 2015 - working visit of Prime Minister of Ukraine Arseniy Yatsenyuk to Germany
- - 13-14 of May 2015 - working visit of President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko to Germany (Berlin, Aachen)
- - 22 of May 2015 - President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko met with the German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the Eastern Partnership summit in Riga
- - 24 of August 2015 - working visit of President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko to Germany. Participation in trilateral consultations at the highest level with Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel and President of France François Hollande
4. Dialogue at the foreign ministries level:
Visits at the level of Foreign Ministers:
- January 31 - February 2, 2014 - working visit of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine to Germany aimed at the participation in the 50th Munich Security Conference. Meeting with the Federal Foreign Minister of Germany F.-W.Steinmeier;
- February 20-21, 2014 - working visit of the Federal Foreign Minister of Germany to Ukraine (together with the Foreign Ministers of France and Poland);
- March 22, 2014 - working visit to Ukraine of the Federal Foreign Minister of Germany F.-W.Steinmeier (Kyiv, Donetsk);
- May 13, 2014 - working visit to Ukraine of the Federal Foreign Minister of Germany F.-W.Steinmeier (Kyiv, Odessa);
- May 20, 2014 - official visit of the acting Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine A.Deshchytsya to Germany;
- June 23-24, 2014 - working visit to Ukraine of the Federal Foreign Minister of Germany F.-W.Steinmeier (Kyiv);
- July 2-3, 2014 - working visit of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine P.Klimkin to Germany (“Normandу’s format ”);
- August 17-18, 2014 - working visit of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine P.Klimkin to Germany (quadrilateral meeting of the foreign ministers in the format of “Normandу”);
- October 9-10, 2014 - working visit of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine P.Klimkin to Germany;
- November 18, 2014 - working visit to Ukraine of the Federal Foreign Minister of Germany F.-W.Steinmeier (Kyiv);
- December 15, 2014 – meeting of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine P.Klimkin with the Federal Foreign Minister of Germany F.-W.Steinmeier during the meeting in the format "Ukraine+ friends of Ukraine in the EU" (Brussels);
- December 19, 2014 - working visit to Ukraine of the Federal Foreign Minister of Germany F.-W.Steinmeier (Kyiv).
- - 8 of January 2015 - working visit of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine P.Klimkin to Germany.
- - 12-13 of January 2015 - working visit of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine P.Klimkin to Germany (quadrilateral meeting of ministers in Normandy format).
- - 21 of January 2015 - working visit of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine P.Klimkin to Germany (quadrilateral meeting of ministers in Norman format).
- - 24 of February 2015 - meeting of the foreign ministers in Normandy format (Paris, France).- 13 of April 2015 - working visit of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine P.Klimkin to Germany (quadrilateral meeting of ministers in Normandy format).
- - 14 of May 2015 - meeting of the foreign ministers of Ukraine and Germany during the session of the NATO-Ukraine Commission in Antalya (Turkey).
- - 29-30 of May 2014 - working visit of the Foreign Minister of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier to Ukraine (Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk).
- - 3 of June 2015 - working visit of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine P.Klimkin to Germany.
5. Inter-parliamentary cooperation:
German-Ukrainian inter-parliamentary group of the 18th German Bundestag was formed on 9th May 2014. The Head of group is Karl-Georg Wellmann (CDU / CSU party). The group includes 16 deputies. The main priorities are development of inter-parliamentary cooperation and contacts with the government institutions and civil society of Ukraine. In the Parliament of Ukraine (Verkhovna Rada) a Deputy Group on inter-parliamentary relations with the Federal Republic of Germany, consisting of 90 members of the Parliament headed by Sergiy Taruta, is in charge.
6. Existing bilateral institutions on the senior level:
Ukrainian-German High Level Group on Economic Cooperation was founded in 2005. The priority areas of its activity are: energy, banking system, agriculture, coal industry, metallurgy, transportation, engineering and public utility infrastructure.
7. Legal framework: Includes 85 documents in force. Key documents:
Joint Declaration on the framework of relations between Ukraine and the Federal Republic of Germany (9.06.1993);
Treaty between Ukraine and the Federal Republic of Germany on the development of a comprehensive cooperation in the field of economy, industry, science and technology (10.06.1993);
Agreement between Ukraine and the Federal Republic of Germany concerning the promotion and reciprocal protection of investments (29.06.1996);
Agreement between Ukraine and the Federal Republic of Germany for the avoidance of double taxation in the field of taxes on income and assets (04.10.1996)
8. Trade economic cooperation:
The trade of goods and services volume between Ukraine and Germany in January - June, 2015 reached approximately 3,0 million US dollars and decreased in 22 percent compared to the same period in 2014. Export of goods and services from Ukraine to Germany decreased in 28 percent in the first half of the year and amounted 846 million US dollars. Import decreased in 19 percent to 2,1 billion US dollars. Negative balance of bilateral trade of goods and services decreased in 157 million US dollars and amounted approximately 1,2 billion US dollars.
9. Investment cooperation:
As of 01.07.2015 among the volume of investments which came from 138 countries into the economy of Ukraine, Germany takes the second place, and the volume of investments from this country amounts 5.5 billion US Dollars (12.8% from the total). During the first half of 2015 the cumulative amount of direct investment from Germany decreased by 196 million US dollars. The largest volume of investments from Germany are involved in the industry (4.8 billion US dollars), manufacture of rubber products (238 million US dollars), machinery construction (102 million US dollars), wholesale and retail trade (257 million US dollars). At the same time the volume of investments from Ukraine into the German economy amounted 2.3 million US dollars.
10. Ukrainian community:
The main centers of Ukrainians in Germany can be considered Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Hannover, Nurnberg, Regensburg, Ulm, Brunswick, Frankfurt, Freiburg, Stuttgart, Regensburg, Augsburg, Ingolstadt, Bamberg, Dusseldorf, Dresden, Leipzig. According to the official data of the Federal Statistical Office of Germany of 2012 in Germany resides 123 thousands 300 hundred Ukrainians (according to the expert’s assessment its unofficial amount consist of 200-250 thousand people). Overall in Germany there are more than forty Ukrainian public societies as well as Ukrainian churches which play an important role in ensuring national and cultural rights of Ukrainians in Germany.
Georgia
1. Recognition of Ukraine: 12 December 1991.
2. Establishment of diplomatic relations: 22 July 1992.
3. Political relations:
Relations between Ukraine and Georgia have a long friendly tradition. Georgia supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, condemns Russian aggression against Ukraine and occupation by Russia of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and City of Sevastopol.
There is dynamic political dialog between Ukraine and Georgia. Newly elected President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko as well as the Prime Minister of Ukraine Arseniy Yatsenyuk met with President of Georgia Giorgi Margvelashvili on June 6-7, 2014 in Kyiv. On February 22, 2015 the President of Georgia came to Ukraine to participate in the March of Dignity on the occasion of the Maidan anniversary. Foreign ministers of both countries, as well as heads of other ministries and agencies also meet regularly.
The parliaments of Ukraine and Georgia have active ties. Speaker of Georgian Parliament D.Usupashvili visited Ukraine on April 20-21, 2015. The Interparliamentary friendship groups have been created in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and the Parliament of Georgia.
4. Trade and economic relations:
In 2014 the total volume of Ukrainian-Georgian trade in goods and services totalled $707.7 mln (-12.4% compared to 2013), including exports – $542.0 mln (-6.5%) and imports – $166.3 mln (-27.2%) with positive balance for Ukraine – $376.3 mln (+7.2%). Ukraine is the fifth largest trade partner of Georgia (with 6.0% of total trade in 2014).
5. Cultural and humanitarian cooperation:
There are historically close cultural and humanitarian ties between Ukraine and Georgia. The sides elaborated broad legal base of cooperation in this sphere. On August 6 2015 the Joint Action Plan of the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine and the Ministry of Culture and Monument Protection of Georgia for 2014-2018 years was signed.
In March and May of 2007 the monument to Taras Shevchenko in Tbilisi and Shota Rustaveli in Kiev were opened. It became a symbol of indissoluble spiritual connection between Ukrainian and Georgian peoples.
It has become a good tradition to hold the Shevchenko’s Days and the festivals "Lesyaoba" (the "Days of Lesya") in Georgia. The Georgian delegations annually participate in the festival "Lesya Springs" in Novograd-Volynsky.
Courses of the Ukrainian literature and the Ukrainian language in Georgia are of utmost importance for Ukrainian-Georgian cultural cooperation. The Kyiv and Tbilisi Universities exchanged students in 1960 to prepare teachers of the Ukrainian and Georgian languages. Until now the Institute of Ukrainian Studies of Tbilisi University trains specialists within the framework of international master’s programs. The course "Ukrainian Language and Literature" is also available at the Sukhumi State University (Tbilisi). In 2014 the Ukrainian language course was launched in the Caucasus International University, where the Centre for Knowledge of Ukraine was established.
Direct contacts between the regions Ukraine and Georgia are an important part of cultural and humanitarian cooperation. About 30 agreements have been signed between local authorities of the two countries.
6. Cooperation in science and education:
Fruitful cooperation is developing between the Academies of Sciences of Ukraine and Georgia as well as Ukrainian and Georgian universities.
In 2000 the Joint Ukrainian-Georgian International Educational and Research Centre of Welding – "Interweld" was established in Tbilisi. Since 2001 on the basis of Tbilisi-based Institute of Mining Mechanics the Office of the Ukrainian Science and Technology Centre was opened.
Cooperation in education and science spheres between universities of Ukraine and Georgia develops intensively. More than 20 universities from both sides are involved in this cooperation.
7. The legal basis:
Number of valid documents: more than 100.
Key documents:
the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance between Ukraine and the Republic of Georgia (04.13.93);
the Agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of the Republic of Georgia on Free Trade (01.09.95);
the Declaration between Ukraine and Georgia on the Development of Strategic Relations (03.25.05).
8. Ukrainian community:
According to the latest published data of 2002, more than 7 thousands ethnic Ukrainians live in Georgia (0.16%). As a result of the Russian aggression against Ukraine in 2014-2015 more than 3000 citizens of Ukraine entered Georgia.
There are 10 Ukrainian social, cultural and educational organizations in Georgia. In May 2015, the Forum of the Ukrainians of Georgia was established. Since 2010 the activities of Ukrainian organizations are coordinated by the Coordination Council of the Ukrainians of Georgia (KRUG).
9. Diplomatic missions of Ukraine – the Embassy of Ukraine in Georgia (05.04.94) http://georgia.mfa.gov.ua.
Greece
1. Recognition of Ukraine: December 31, 1991
2. The establishment of diplomatic relations: January 15, 1992
3. Political relations:
The relations between Ukraine and the Hellenic Republic have long historical roots and marked with high level of cooperation and interaction. The Hellenic Republic, which chaired the EU in the first half of 2014., took an active role in supporting Ukraine since the early days of the Revolution of Dignity, as well as while illegal occupation of the Crimea and Russian military aggression in Eastern Ukraine. Greece consistently advocates support for the territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty of Ukraine, actively supports the European integration course of official Kyiv and initiatives of the Ukrainian side to further development of relations with NATO.
Both countries support and maintain comprehensive political dialogue and contacts at all levels. The last meeting between President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko and President of the Hellenic Republic K.Papulias took place in the framework of Normand on June 6, 2014. On May 22, 2015 within the framework of his visit to Riga, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko had a meeting with Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras. The bilateral political dialogue at the level of heads of foreign ministries also marked with positive dynamics. Since the beginning of 2015 Ukraine's Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin held three meetings with his Hellenic counterpart Nikolas Kotzias (January in Brussels, February in Kiev, May in Antalya).
In Ukraine there is Parliament friendship group on interparliamentary ties of the Hellenic Republic, formed in March 2015. It consists of 10 MPs of Ukraine. The Group of Friendship with Ukraine in the Hellenic Parliament is under the process of formation. The previous one, composed of 14 members, headed by deputy chairman of the New Democracy party L.Tsavdaridis, were dissolved after the extraordinary parliamentary elections in Greece in January 2015.
The Permanent Delegation of Ukraine participates in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (PABSEC). Members of the Ukrainian delegation participating in the committees of PABSEC.
During 2014 the Ukrainian parliamentary delegation participated in 43rd (May) and 44th (December) sessions of the BSEC, held in Athens.
4. Trade and economic relations: in the first half of 2015 the turnover of goods and services between Ukraine and the Hellenic Republic amounted up to 204.2 million US dollars, which is 16.6 % less, compared to the same period of the last year. Exports of goods and services from Ukraine to Greece fell by 16.8% to 104.6 million US dollars. Meanwhile, imports of goods and services also decreased by 16.4% to 99.6 million US dollars. But, bilateral trade balance traditionally remained positive and amounted to 5.0 million US dollars (vs. 6.6 million US dollars in the first half of 2014).
The most important goods of Ukrainian exports to Greece are: ferrous metals; seeds and oleaginous fruits; cereals; mineral fuels; oil and refining products; edible fruits and nuts; animal or vegetable fats and oils.
The most important goods of Greek imports to Ukraine: mineral fuel, oil and refining products, edible fruits and nuts, pharmaceuticals, aluminum and aluminum products, various chemicals.
The volume of direct investments from Greece to Ukraine as of 01.07.2015 totaled at 192.8 million US dollars.
There is the Intergovernmental Ukrainian-Greek Working Group on Economic, Industrial and Scientific-Technical Cooperation (MSRH) which is concentrate its activity at such priorities as: shipping, food processing, agriculture, industrial construction, transport and energy infrastructure, renewable energy (5th meeting was held in Athens 13.07.2011).
It is established the Joint Ukrainian-Greek Committee on Road Transport on road transport (the last meeting was held in March 2013 in Athens, the previous - in October 2011 in Kyiv).
5. Cultural and humanitarian cooperation between Ukraine and Greece.
Cultural and humanitarian cooperation between Ukraine and the Hellenic Republic is based on the bilateral intergovernmental Agreement on cooperation in the spheres of culture, education and science (signed in 11/11/1996) and of the three-year Program on cooperation in the spheres of culture, education and science (signed in 22/04/2002 and automatically renewed for subsequent periods). In the framework of abovementioned documents a lot of cultural exchanges are realizing each year. There is the significant cooperation between the two countries within programme of twinning cities and regions (15 agreements exist) to. The numerous of Greek minority also exist in Ukraine (about 100 thousands), and significant Ukrainian community exists in Greece (about 30 thousands), consist an important factor of the mutually beneficial cooperation between two countries and the guarantee of its friendly relationships. The activities of the Cultural and information center of the Embassy of Ukraine in Athens (opened since 2008) and of the Odessa Branch of the Hellenic Foundation for Culture (opened in Odessa in 1994) aimed at the promotion of fruitful mutual cultural exchange between two countries and nations as well.
6. Scientific and educational cooperation.
The potential of Ukrainian-Greek scientific and educational cooperation is actively realizing in the field of higher education. There are more than 20 direct agreements on cooperation between universities of Ukraine and Greece. The long-term cooperation unites Kyiv National University, National Aviation University, Kyiv National University of Trade and Economics, Kharkiv National University, Kharkiv Polytechnic University, Kharkiv National Law Academy, Odessa National Maritime University, Ternopil Academy of National Economy, Mariupol State University with state universities of Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras and Ioannina. Higher educational institutions of Ukraine and Greece cooperate within the framework of the EU Program «TEMPUS-TACIS» to. Since the 2009 the Ukrainian language is taught for Greek students at the Department of Slavic Languages of the National University of Athens. State universities of Greece provide every year a number of scholarships for Ukrainian students and young scientist for studying Greek language and culture at summer schools in Greece.
Scientific cooperation is realizing on the core of the Agreement on Cooperation between the State Archival Service of Ukraine and the General Archives of the Hellenic Republic (signed 30.05.2011 g.) as well. In 2015 were taken active measures aimed at expansion of cooperation in science and technology. There took place the visit to Ukraine of the president of largest in Greece private research center "Demokritos" (March), and head of the Ukrainian Center for Advanced Technologies visited Greece on May – June. There were different meetings with representatives of governmental and business circles of Greece aimed at promotion of Ukrainian technology and implementation of joint projects in selected areas. It was also delivered the presentation of Ukrainian scientific and technological capabilities. Agreements were reached to promote cooperation and implementation of projects in consulting, tourism, medicine, implementation of joint research and production of new medicines, implement joint innovative programs and projects in the areas of environment, safety, joint international events of a scientific nature.
7. Treaty legal framework: consists of a 44 existing documents.
Key documents are: Agreement on Friendship and Cooperation; Agreement on economic, industrial, scientific and technical cooperation;
Agreement on military cooperation; Agreement on cooperation in the spheres of culture, education and science; Agreement on legal assistance in civil matters; Agreement on promotion and reciprocal protection investments; Agreement for the avoidance of double taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income; Agreement on mutual protection of classified information in defense air, Agreement on air transportation, Protocol on consular relations between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of the Hellenic Republic etc.
8. Ukrainian community of Greece.
The number of Ukrainian community in Greece consists of about 30 thousand people, with about 25 thousand people are representatives of labor migration and live in the country on a temporal base. The majority of Ukrainians resides in Athens, Thessaloniki and Patras, a significant number of Ukrainians live in Crete and Rhodes islands.
There are 6 Ukrainian community’s NGO as well as one initiative Ukrainian movement of volunteers and one Ukrainian youth initiative group, operating in Greece. At the three from abovementioned NGO, namely the Ukrainian Diaspora’s Community “Ukrainian-Hellenic Thought”, the Cultural and Educational Center “Beregynnia” (Keeper”) and the Support and Development Center of the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage "Trembita", there are three Ukrainian Saturday schools, which cooperate fruitfully with International Ukrainian School, acting under the Ministry of education and science of Ukraine. At the NGO “Association of Ukrainians in Greece - Ukrainian Land of Storks” there is the Ukrainian Cultural Center and the “Bogdan-Ihor Antonych” Library. At the Embassy of Ukraine in Greece there is the Council of the heads of Ukrainian ΝGO and activists of Ukrainian community of Greece.
The Holy See (Vatican)
Recognition of Ukraine: January 1992
Establishment of diplomatic relations: February 8, 1992
Political dialogue:
During the last few years our bilateral dialogue became quite dynamic and mature.
Visits of senior officials:
December 2011-January 2012 numerous state’s and local government officials of Ukraine visited Vatican in the framework of celebration of “The Ukrainian Christmas in Vatican”. The delegation was headed by the Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine - Minister of Infrastructure.
7-8th March 2012 - the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine visited Vatican. During the visit he had a meeting with D.Mamberti.
20-24th May 2012 - the President of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications H.E. Msgr. Claudio Maria Celli visited Ukraine in the framework of interchurch cooperation.
2-3 June 2012 the Vicar General for the Vatican City State Angelo Comastri visited Ukraine in the framework of interchurch cooperation.
5- 8 September 2012 Cardinal Jozef Tomko visited Ukraine in the framework of interchurch cooperation.
19th March 2013 - the Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine participated in the ceremony of inauguration of the newly elected Pope Francis as the head of the Ukrainian delegation.
24th October 2013 - visit of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine to Vatican
4-6th December 2013 - working visit of the Secretary for Relations with States of The Holy See to Ukraine
25-27th April 2014 - visit of the Prime Minister of Ukraine A.Yatseniuk to Vatican.
26-27th May 2015 - visit of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine P.Klimkin to Vatican.
Cultural-Humanitarian Cooperation
Ukraine-Vatican relations in the cultural and the humanitarian sphere are an excellent example of our high level cooperation.
In recent years the following major projects were realized: International Exhibition of Neolithic culture "Tripoli-Cucuteni: great civilization of Old Europe" (2008); Exhibition of Ukrainian icons and sacred art objects from the funds of the National Kyiv-Pechersk Historical and Cultural Reserve and the Lviv National Andrey Sheptytskyy Museum called “Golden Age Ukrainian Icon: XVI-XVIII centuries” (2010); International scientific conference “Ukraine - Vatican in the context of Christian Europe” (2010); International Conference “Saint Clement of Rome in the context of the mission of Saints Cyril and Methodius” (2011); celebration of the completion of restoration works of the Saint Sophia Cathedral, the highlight of which was a concert in Rome's cathedral Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri with the participation of National Academic Choir of Ukraine “Dumka” (2012), Exhibition titled “The European dimension: three masterpieces of classical art from museums in Italy” (2013), International Conference "Christians in the OSCE region: the state of their religious freedoms” (2013) ; Special project in a framework of which a unique relic from the personal Pope’s sacristy was delivered to Lviv - the Miraculous Image of Jesus Christ (2015).
It is important to mention the cooperation with the Holy See on humanitarian aid, especially with the organization "Caritas", which in our country is represented by Charitable Fund "Caritas Ukraine". Association since the annexation of the Crimea and the beginning of the war in Donbas has assisted more than 120,000 persons (Projects Budget - about 5 mln. USD).
Ukrainian community.
Inside the Vatican there aren’t any citizens of Ukraine. However, most of Ukrainians who are on long-term basis in Italy and in the majority are from the western regions of Ukraine, are concentrated mainly around the Greek Catholic centers in Rome, run by Ukrainian priests. Greek Catholic and Roman Catholic Ukrainian priests and church communities directly related to the development of relations between Ukraine and the Holy See.
A characteristic feature of Ukrainian religious community of Rome is the fact that some of its members are nationals of different countries: USA, Canada, Brazil, Germany, Australia, the Czech Republic and others. Often, it serves as a unifying factor in the context of strengthening working contacts between the Embassy of Ukraine and diplomatic missions of other countries accredited to the Holy See.
Hungary
1. Recognition of Ukraine: December 3, 1991.
2. Establishment of diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Hungary: December 3, 1991.
3. Political dialogue
Bilateral relations between Ukraine and Hungary are consistently positive and characterized by intensive political dialogue, active cooperation in the issues of the European integration of Ukraine as well as special attention to the development of cross-border cooperation.
The effective component of bilateral cooperation are the joint bilateral commissions, namely: Intergovernmental Ukrainian-Hungarian Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation, Ukrainian-Hungarian Intergovernmental Mixed Commission on Border and Cross-Border Cooperation, Mixed Ukrainian-Hungarian Commission on Ensuring National Minorities’ Rights, Ukrainian-Hungarian Commission on Scientific and Technical cooperation and Ukrainian-Hungarian Intergovernmental Commission on Military and Technical Cooperation.
Inter-parliamentary friendship group is established in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and in the National Assembly of Hungary.
4. Trade and economic cooperation
Hungary is one of the main trade partners of Ukraine among the EU member-states.
In 2014 he total foreign trade turnover between Ukraine and Hungary (goods and services) amounted to about 3.1 billion USD in 2014 (decreased by 2.8% compared to 2013). Positive balance for Ukraine equaled 79.4 million USD (compared to 251.8 million USD in 2013).
In January – June 2015 the total bilateral foreign trade turnover amounted to about 1.4 billion USD (decreased by 116.4 million USD or by 7.6% compared to the same period of 2014). The negative balance for Ukraine equaled 505.7 million USD.
5. Cooperation in science and education
Ukrainian-Hungarian cooperation in educational sphere mostly occurs in the following areas: cooperation between the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and the Ministry of Human Resources of Hungary; development of cooperation between Ukrainian and Hungarian educational institutions of different levels of accreditation and professional orientation; ensuring educational needs of the Ukrainian national minority in Hungary and the Hungarian minority in Ukraine.
In December 2014 the Protocol on Cooperation in the Spheres of Education and Science between the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and the Ministry of Human Resources in Hungary for 2015-2017 was signed. The Agreement between the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and the Ministry of Human Resources of Hungary on student exchanges for 2016-2017 is to be signed in the near future.
There are Ukrainians chairs in the Eötvös Loránd University of Budapest and in the Szeged University.
6. The legal base
Number of valid agreements: 72.
Key bilateral documents: Agreement on Friendship and Cooperation between Ukraine and Hungary (16 June 1993); Agreement between Ukraine and the Republic of Hungary on the regime of the Hungarian-Ukrainian state border, cooperation and mutual assistance on border issues (19 April 1996); Agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of Hungary for the avoidance of double taxation (24 June 1996); Agreement between the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Government of Hungary on border traffic control at road and rail border-crossing points (25 November 2012).
7. Ukrainian community
According to the Hungarian census of 2011, 5633 Ukrainians and 3323 Ruthenians reside in Hungary.
There are several Ukrainian and Ruthenian organizations in Hungary, in particular: Society of Ukrainian Culture in Hungary (headed by First Deputy President of the Ukrainian World Congress, President of the European Congress of Ukrainians, spokesman of the Ukrainian minority in the National Assembly of Hungary Yaroslava Hortyani); State Association of Hungarian Ruthenians; Society of Ukrainian Intellectuals of Hungary etc.
Ukrainian Self-Government is functioning in Hungary and is headed by Yurii Kravchenko. Ruthenian Self-Government is headed by Viktor Kramarenko.
8. Diplomatic Missions of Ukraine in Hungary:
Embassy of Ukraine to Hungary http://hungary.mfa.gov.ua/ua;
Consulate of Ukraine in Nyiregyhaza http://nyiregyhaza.mfa.gov.ua/ua.
The Republic of Iceland
1. Date of the recognition of independence of Ukraine: January 19, 1992.
2. Date of establishment of diplomatic relations: March 30, 1992.
3. Political relations:
Due to geographical remoteness of Iceland, political relations between Ukraine and Iceland at the high level are sporadic. Iceland actively supports Ukraine in the context of condemning illegal annexation of Crimea and stopping Russian aggression against Ukraine.
Iceland supports Ukraine's closer ties with the EU, the particular it is interested in establishment of the DCFTA as well as deepening economic cooperation in the framework of EFTA.
The previous meeting between the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko and the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Iceland Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson took place on September 16, 2014. There are contacts on interministerial and interdepartmental level. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Iceland Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson took part in the International Conference on Support for Ukraine, which took place in Kyiv on April 28, 2015.
4. Trade and economic cooperation:
Iceland is interested in sharing its experience in geothermal energy. In this regard, in 2015 both countries signed a Memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of energy efficiency and renewable energy between the State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine and the National Energy Authority of Iceland. The realization of a pilot project in this area is underway.
According to the State Statistics Service of Ukraine in the first half of 2015, overall turnover of trade in goods and services between Ukraine and Iceland amounted to $10,486.9 thousand USD, declined by 59.5%, including exports - $1,068.6 thousand USD, decreased by 3,1%, imports - $9,418.1 thousand USD, decreased by 62,0%. Trade balance remains negative - $8,349.3 thousand USD.
Trade in goods
Іn the first half of 2015 the indicator of bilateral trade in goods decreased by 61,6% and amounted to $9537.8 thousand USD, including exports - $129.7 thousand USD, increased by 137.1%, imports - $9408.1 thousand USD, declined by 62.0%, negative balance for Ukraine - $9,278.4 thousand USD.
Commodity structure of exports: nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery (57.7%), rubber (42.3%).
Commodity structure of imports: fish and shellfish (92.7%), pharmaceutical products (3.1%), products of meat and fish (1.7%), nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery (1.2%) fats and oils of animal or vegetable origin (1.0%), alcoholic and soft drinks and vinegar (0.3%).
Trade in services
Іn the first half of 2015 the volume of trade in services, compared to the same period of the last year, decreased by 11.9% and amounted to $949.1 thousand USD, including exports - $939.1 thousand USD, declined by 10.4%, imports - $10.0 thousand USD, declined by 65.0%, active balance for Ukraine is $949.1 thousand USD.
The structure of exports of services: business services (62.6%), telecommunication, computer and information services (18.9%), transportation (17.2%), services related to travel (1.0%), cultural and recreational services (0.4%).
The structure of imports of services: services related to travel (81.6%), transportation (14.7%), telecommunication, computer and information services (3.7%).
Investment cooperation
As of 01.04.2015 Icelandic direct investments in Ukraine amounted to $9,442.0 thousand USD (as of 01.01.2015 p. $9,578.1 thousand USD) and were directed mainly to the sphere of real estate, wholesale and retail trade.
5. Cultural and humanitarian issues:
Artistic activities of the Ukrainian opera singer Oleksandra Chernyshova, who permanently resides in Iceland, promote strengthening of the positive image of Ukraine in Iceland.
6. The legal basis:
The effective agreements between Ukraine and Iceland – 4.
– Convention between Governments of Ukraine and the Republic of Iceland on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion on Taxes on Income and Capital dated November 8, 2006;
– Free Trade Agreement between Ukraine and the EFTA States dated June, 24 2010;
– Agreement on Agriculture between Ukraine and Iceland dated June 24, 2010;
– Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy between the State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine and the National Energy Authority of Iceland dated May 08, 2015.
7. Ukrainians in Iceland:
There is no organized Ukrainian diaspora in Iceland. Ukrainian community numbers 155 persons, who predominantly live in the capital Reykjavík.
Ireland
Recognition of Ukraine: 31 December 1991.
Establishment of diplomatic relations: 1 April 1992.
Diplomatic missions: the Embassy of Ukraine in Ireland (http://ireland.mfa.gov.ua/ua), the Embassy of Ireland in Ukraine (non-resident, www.irishembassy.cz) and the Honorary Consulate of Ireland in Kyiv (www.irishconsulate.kiev.ua).
Political dialogue
Bilateral relations between Ukraine and Ireland are actively developing now.
Ireland takes a consistent position in support of Ukraine, condemns Russia's aggression, occupation and annexation of the Crimea.
On 3 April 2014 Dáil Éireann adopted a motion on support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and condemnation of illegal annexation of the Crimea. In addition, Ireland was a co-sponsor of the UN resolution "The territorial integrity of Ukraine" (March 2014), and also continued to support Ukraine in influential international organizations, including the Council of Europe and OSCE.
On 27 January 2015 Ireland became the 14th EU country and the first among Western European countries, which ratified Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU.
High level political meetings:
29 September 2011 - meeting between the President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych and Prime Minister of Ireland Enda Kenny (the “Eastern Partnership” Summit,Warsaw);
27 July 2012 - meeting between the Prime Minister of Ukraine Mykola Azarov and the Prime Minister of Ireland Enda Kenny (London).
24 June 2013 – meeting between the Prime Minister of Ukraine Mykola Azarov with the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland Eamon Gilmore (Luxembourg).
Dialogue on the level of ministries for foreign affairs:
5-6 July 2005 – official visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland D. Ahern to Ukraine;
7-8 February 2006 – official visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine B.Tarasyuk to Ireland.
27 September 2010 – meeting of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine K.Gryshchenko and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland M.Martin at the 65th session of the UN GA (New York).
1 July 2011 – meeting of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine K.Gryshchenko with the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland E.Gilmore at the Summit of the "Community of Democracies" (Vilnius).
28 September 2012 – meeting of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine K.Gryshchenko with Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland E.Gilmore at the 67th session of the UN GA.
26 September 2013 – meeting of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine L.Kozhara with Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland E.Gilmore at the 68th session of the UN GA.
16-17 July 2015 – official visit of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland C.Flanagan to Ukraine.
10 rounds of annual bilateral political consultations has been held between foreign ministries of the two countries.
Inter-parliamentary co-operation:
6-9 October 2005 - the official visit of the Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann,
R. O'Hanlon T.D. to Ukraine.
23-24 March 2010 – the official visit of the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine V.Lytvyn to Ireland.
8-11 October 2013 – the official visit of the Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann, S.Barrett T.D. to Ukraine.
Existing bilateral co-operation high-level bodies: no
The legal framework:
Number of bilateral documents: 7.
Key documents: Protocol on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations of 01.04.92; Convention between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of Ireland for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income and Capital Gains and the accompanying Protocol thereto
Trade between Ukraine and Ireland
Before Russian aggression against Ukraine a positive dynamics of Ukrainian-Irish trade relations was observed. From 2009 to 2013 volume of bilateral trade in goods and services increased almost three times (from 148 million to 422 million USD). At the same time, Ukrainian exports of goods to Ireland grew very fast, allowing to reduce a trade deficit almost by 2.5 times.
However, in 2014 following the Russian military aggression bilateral cooperation in trade, economic and investment fields has decreased: turnover of goods and services decreased by 34% (279 million USD), exports of goods and services by 40% (117 million USD), imports of goods and services by 28% (162 million USD).
In January-June 2015 the volume of bilateral trade reached 65.48 million USD. Exports reached 27.2 million USD (53.2% of the same period of 2014), imports - 38.2 million USD (54% of the same period of 2014).
Ukrainians in Ireland
About 3.5 thousand Ukrainians are living in Ireland. People are organized around public organization "Ukrainian Association of Ireland" (established in 2008) and Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Ireland.
The Republic of Italy
1. Italy recognized Ukraine as an independent state on December 28, 1991.
2. Diplomatic relations were established on January 29, 1992.
3. Political issues of Ukraine and Italy
During the current year a record dynamics of Ukrainian-Italian dialogue has been marked at all levels (mutual visits, meetings and phone calls at the level of President, Prime minister, Minister for foreign affairs, etc.). It has already begun to yield its positive results. Italy supports the pro-European course of reforms in Ukraine, assists Ukraine in the field of energy efficiency within its commitments to the G7, it’s actively involved in the implementation of the EU’s sanction policy towards Russia. Last time Mr. Matteo Renzi, the Italian Prime Minister, visited Ukraine in March 2015 (the first visit of the Italian PM to Kyiv since 1997).
Mr. Petro Poroshenko, the President of Ukraine, visited Italy in October 2014. The constant dialogue takes place at intergovernmental, inter-parliamentary and inter-agency levels, including interaction between Mr. Pavlo Klimkin, the Foreign Minister of Ukraine, and his italian counterpart Mr. Paolo Gentiloni. Interparliamentary contacts have recently acquired significant activation (co-chairs of the ukrainian parliamentary group for relations with the Italian Parliament are Mr. Sergei Alexeev and Mrs. Oksana Korchynska, the process of formation of the Italian part of the group of friendship with Ukraine is on going).
4. Trade and economic relations
In 2014 Italy ranked seventh among the countries in terms of the volume of foreign trade in goods with Ukraine. In terms of Ukraine's trade with European countries, Italy ranked third, behind Germany and Poland.
According to the State Statistics Service of Ukraine in 2014 the total bilateral trade in goods and services between Ukraine and Italy amounted to 4.16 bln. USD. The export increased by 4.18% (to 104.7 mln. USD) and amounted to 2.61 bln. USD, imports decreased by 27.6% (to 592.03 mln.USD) and amounted to 1.55 bln. USD. The positive balance for Ukraine increased by 696.7 mln. USD and reached 1.06 bln. USD.
In January-June 2015, the total bilateral trade in goods and services between Ukraine and Italy amounted to 1.45 bln. USD. The export decreased by 32% (to 474.7 mln. USD) and amounted to 1.01 bln. USD, imports decreased by 46% (to 383.1 mln.USD) and amounted to 443.6 mln. USD. The positive balance for Ukraine decreased by 94.7 mln. USD and reached 566.3 mln. USD.
Major commodity goods exported from Ukraine to Italy in 2015 were: ferrous metals (52.0%); cereals (15.4%); fats and oils of animal or vegetable origin (5.3%); fertilizers (3.5%); salt, sulfur, earths and stone, lime and cement (3.1%); wood and wood products (2.5%); seeds and oleaginous fruits (2.5%); raw hides and leather (1.7%).
Major commodity goods imported from Italy in 2015 were: machinery (20.7%); polymers and plastics (7.5%); electrical machinery (5.5%); products from ferrous metals (4.1%); pharmaceutical products (6.6%); leather (3.5%); tanning extracts (2.7%); optical instruments and apparatus (2.6%); essential oils (2.4%); paper and paperboard (2.3%); wool (2.3%); alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (2.1%); footwear (2.0%); chemical products (2.0%); transport means (1.9%).
As of July 1, 2015, direct investment from Italy to Ukraine's economy reached 966.6 mln. USD, which makes 2.3% of all foreign investment into Ukraine. Italy ranks the 10th place among the 123 investors into Ukrainian economy.
The volume of Ukrainian foreign direct investment into Italy as of July 1, 2015 is 0.4 mln. USD (YTD unchanged).
5. Cultural and humanitarian cooperation
70 registered joint public organizations bring together thousands of Ukrainians and Italians in the frame of cultural, humanitarian and educational projects. In Italy there are regular events aimed at promoting Ukrainian cultural and artistic heritage in the Italian cultural space. Ukraine annually takes part at the international cultural events held in Italy, in particular, in the International Art Exhibition "La Biennale di Venezia".
6. Scientific and educational cooperation
Ukrainian-Italian cooperation in science and education is based on the idea of the promoting partnership between the universities. Some examples of the most fruitful cooperation:
- Kyiv National University Shevchenko - State University of Macherata (Marche region), University of Rome Tor Vergata, State Institute of Hotel Management, Restaurant Business and Tourism "Gerolamo Varnelli";
- MariupolStateUniversity – Regional Universities of Basilicata, Calabria and of Perugia;
- UkrainianAcademy of Banking - University of Naples.
7. International Treaty Framework
International Treaty Framework of Ukraine-Italy relations consist of 28 documents in force.
Key documents: The Protocol on establishing diplomatic relations between Ukraine and the IR (01/29/92);
Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Ukraine and the IR (03/05/95); Convention between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of IR for the avoidance of double taxation on income and capital and prevention of tax evasion (02.26.97); Consular Convention between Ukraine and IP (23.12.2003).
7. Ukrainian community in Italy
Ukrainian community in Italy is among the biggest ethnic groups in this country. According to the official statistics (2014) more than 234 000 people of Ukrainian received official permit to stay and work in Italy.
Nowadays there are two main categories of foreign Ukrainians in the territory of Italy. The first one (very small) is the citizens of Italy with Ukrainian origin (about 350 persons) and the second one - Ukrainian citizens, migrant workers who have official permit to work in Italy.
There are almost 100 Ukrainian associations, organizations that reflect the interests of the Ukrainians living in Italy. Different locations densely populated with Ukrainians have been identified on the territory of Italy. The most numerous communities live in Rome, Naples, Milan, Sicily and Sardinia. In November 2014 the Public Council of the Representatives of Ukrainian organization in Italy was created to coordinate their activities.
The Republic of Latvia
1. Recognition of Ukraine: December 4, 1991.
2. Establishment of diplomatic relations: February 12, 1992.
3. Political relations:
Relations between Ukraine and the Republic of Latvia having deep historical traditions enjoy mutual trust and cooperation. Latvia has been very active in supporting Ukraine since the Revolution of Dignity, the illegal annexation of Crimea and the Russian aggression in the East of Ukraine. Latvia has been actively assisting Ukraine in the reformation process and supporting Kyiv’s European integration bid. The countries maintain dynamic political dialogue. President Petro Poroshenko of Ukraine visited Riga on May 21-22, 2015 with a view of taking part in the Eastern Partnership Summit during the Presidency of Latvia of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2015. Congratulating the newly elected President of Latvia, Raimonds Vējonis, on the victory, President Petro Poroshenko during the phone talk invited his counterpart to visit Ukraine. The official visit planned for October 2015. The country maintain constant dialogue at the intergovernmental and interagency level, as well as the dialogue between Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and Latvia Pavlo Klimkin and Edgars Rinkēvičs. Traditionally fruitful is cooperation between the Group for interparliamentary relations of the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia (Chairman Ainārs Mežulis (Union of Greens and Farmers) 27 members) and the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Group for interparliamentary relations with the Republic of Latvia (Chairman Oleksandr Kodola (People’s Front), 34 members).
4. Trade and economic relations:
In 2014 the turnover of trade in goods and services between Ukraine and Latvia was 551,8 mln. USD, which was a 25% increase comparing to 2013.
Ukrainian exports grew by more than 33% and reached 376,8 mln. USD, while imports grew by more than 5% and reached 175 mln. USD. The positive turnover of Ukraine was 201,8 mln. USD.
Trade in goods was 315,8 mln. USD with exports increasing by over 25% reaching 226,2 mln. USD and imports by slightly 1% and reaching 89,6 mln. USD. The turnover balance was positive for Ukraine and reached 136,5 mln. USD.
Trade in services amounted to 235,9 mln. USD with exports grew by over 124% reaching 150,6 mln. USD, imports grew by over 38% reaching 85,3 mln. USD. The turnover balance was positive for Ukraine at 65,3 mln. USD.
The increase of Ukrainian and Latvian trade turnover by over 25% was first of all connected with the significant growth of trade in services and realty deals.
The Ukrainian exports to Latvia in 2014 mainly consisted of mineral fuels, oil and its products (28,1%); railways locomotives (8%); clothes and accessories, textiles (6,6%); cocoa and its products (5,2%); copper and copper ware (4,8%); nuclear reactors, heaters, vehicles and equipment (4,6%); sugar and confectionery (4,6%).
Latvian imports to Ukraine in 2014 mainly consisted of pharmaceutics (30,1%); meat and fish products (5,7%); organic chemicals (5,4%); synthetic or artificial fibers (4,4%); different foods (4,4%); fish and shellfish (4,3%); alcohols and soft compounds, vinegar (4,3%).
Direct Ukrainian investment to Latvia in 2014 amounted to 85 mln. USD and from Latvia to Ukraine - 51,6 mln. USD.
5. Culture and humanitarian cooperation:
Numerous art and educational events are staged in Latvia under the support of the Latvian government, local authorities and Ukrainian associations in Latvia. Over recently they are mainly directed at humanitarian purposes. Latvia is also actively rendering humanitarian aid to Ukraine providing treatment and rehabilitation to Ukrainian servicemen wounded in ATO, inviting orphans and children from displaced families for vacation in Latvia.
6. Scientific and educational cooperation:
Within the framework of several programs including with the government support Ukrainian students from central and regional universities come to Latvia for short and mid-term studies.
The Ukrainian Information Center opened in 2004 under the Latvian Academic Library and has been actively developing.
Ukraine and Latvia continue developing joint academic programs and student exchanges.
7. Treaty and legal basis:
Ukraine and Latvia have signed 5 interstate, 24 intergovernmental, 3 interparliamentary and 61 interagency documents.
In 1995 with a view of strengthening their relations Ukraine and the Republic of Latvia signed the Treaty on friendship and cooperation.
Efforts to develop the treaty and legal basis are continuing.
8. Ukrainian community:
The total amount of the Ukrainian community in Latvia numbers approximately 45 000 persons. There are 17 Ukrainian associations in Latvia.
The Riga Ukrainian Secondary School, established in 1991 and financed from the local budget, has been playing an important role in the life of the Ukrainian community.
The Principality of Liechtenstein
1. Recognition of Ukraine: 23 December, 1991.
2. Establishment of diplomatic relations: 6 February, 1992.
3. Political relations between the two countries are characterized by absence of issues of concern. Bilateral contacts take place usually in the framework of the multilateral fora. Liechtenstein does not recognize the annexation of Crimea by Russia and expresses support for Ukraine.
The last high-level contact was the meeting of Minister for foreign affairs of Ukraine K.Gryshchenko with Government Councillor - Foreign Minister of Liechtenstein A.Frik in the framework of the Ministerial meeting of the EFTA states on the 24th of June, 2010 in Reykjavík, Iceland. During the meeting the Free Trade Agreement between Ukraine and EFTA was signed.
4. Trade and economic cooperation.
In 2014 the total volume of bilateral trade in goods and services amounted to 5,1 million USD. Export from Ukraine amounted to 1,95 million USD, import – 3,11 million USD.
Export of goods to Liechtenstein increased by 482,7% and amounted to 1,13 million USD and import decreased by 39% to the level of 565 thousand USD. Export of services decreased by 31,8% and amounted to 817,3 thousand USD, and import increased by 337% to 2,55 million USD.
As of December 31, 2014 Liechtenstein invested in Ukraine’s economy 48,2 million USD.
5. The legal base.
Number of existing bilateral documents: 3.
Since 1 June 2012 the EFTA-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement is in force between Ukraine and Liechtenstein.
Some bilateral Ukrainian-Swiss agreements applies to Liechtenstein (on trade and economic cooperation, agriculture, international motor transportation of passengers and goods, on mutual abolition of visa regime for holders of diplomatic, service and special passports and on readmission).
6. Diplomatic mission of Ukraine.
Embassy of Ukraine in the Swiss Confederation
Feldeggweg 5, 3005 Bern
www.mfa.gov.ua/switzerland
Republic of Lithuania
1. Recognition of Ukraine: December 4, 1991
2. Establishment of diplomatic relations: December 12, 1991
3. Political relations
The relations between Ukraine and the Republic of Lithuania are marked with an ancient historic tradition and are reached the level of strategic partnership, which is in a full compliance with an existing dynamic political dialogue, active trade and economic cooperation, and intensive humanitarian contacts.
Bilateral interactivity is characterized with a high level of mutual trust and cooperation. The Republic of Lithuania have chosen a proactive position in regard with the support of the European choice of Ukraine during the events of the Revolution of Dignity, and nowadays demonstrates a solid and consistent approach in support of sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, strong condemnation of occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and continuing Russian military aggression at the Eastern Ukraine. The Republic of Lithuania was among the first EU member states who has ratified the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement shortly after its signing, and currently provides active assistance within the European and other international formats concerning the practical aid for Ukraine in implementing the European integration policy, as well as proceeding with EU sanctions policy against Russia.
Bilateral political dialogue is traditionally active, with particular intensity at the highest level. Recently President of Lithuania H.E. Dalia Grybauskaitè has visited Kyiv on February 22, 2015 and March 21, 2015. The parties are elaborating the preparation for an official visit of the President of Ukraine H.E. Petro Poroshenko in Vilnius, which is preliminary scheduled for the late November 2015. The events of inter-governmental and inter-institutional dialogue are planned and implemented at a permanent basis, in particular between Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Mr. Pavlo Klimkin and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Mr. Linas Linkevičius.
The inter-parliamentary cooperation is also highly active, namely in the format of Group of the Inter-parliamentary Relations with Ukraine of the Seimas of Lithuania (chaired by Mr. Bronius Pauža, member of Social-Democratic Party, 69 deputies in total) and Group of the Inter-parliamentary Relations with Lithuania (chaired by Mr. Puslan Lukianchuk, member of “Narodniy Front” party, 73 deputies in total).
4. Trade and economic cooperation
Traditionally Lithuania is the largest trading partner of Ukraine among the Baltic States. According to the results of 2014, Lithuania ranked 18th among foreign countries in terms of trade turnover with Ukraine.
In 2014 there was a noticeable intensification of Ukrainian-Lithuanian trade and economic cooperation – the volume of bilateral trade in goods and services grew by 7.6% compared to 2013, reaching USD 1.47 billion. This was the highest turnover figure in the history of Ukrainian-Lithuanian trade cooperation.
Exports of goods and services amounted to – USD 406.6 mln. (12,3% increase).
Imports of goods and services amounted to – USD 1.59 billion (6,0% increase).
The balance was negative – USD 653.3 mln. which was USD 15.6 mln. more than in 2013.
During the first 6 months of 2015 the volume of bilateral trade decreased by 46% and amounted to USD 309.7 mln.
Exports of goods amounted to – USD 106.7 mln. (54.0% of the the same period of 2014).
Imports of goods amounted to – USD 203.0 mln. (55.5% of the the same period of 2014).
The balance was negative – USD 96.4 mln.
The reduction of exports in 2015 occurred due to the significant reduction of oil supply to Lithuania, as well as decrease in supply of maize/corn, oil-cake and railway wagons.
Decrease in imports was due to a sharp (more than 2 times) decline of supply of petroleum products.
However, analysis of statistical data shows a marked increase in the monthly trade volume in June 2015 – exports from Ukraine in June 2015 against May 2015 increased by 43% to USD 21.3 mln., imports in June 2015 against May 2015 grew by 9% to USD 38.6 mln.
Main exports from Ukraine in 6 months of 2015 were timber, maize/corn, oil-cake, plywood, plastic bottles, suits, turbojets, fertilizers.
The main imports were petroleum products (72.8%), polymers and refrigerators.
Direct Lithuanian investments to Ukraine as of January 1, 2014 amounted to USD 346.5 220 mln., as of December 31, 2014 – USD 188.2 mln., as of March 31, 2015 – USD 139.6 mln.
Decrease of Lithuanian investments to Ukraine occured due to the economic situation in Ukraine and is a general trend. In particular, according to the State Statistics of Ukraine, the general decline in foreign investments in Ukraine totaled USD 13.6 billion, of which USD 12.2 billion was due to FX rate difference.
The largest investment from Lithuania (71%) came to the wholesale and retail. Besides that, Lithuanian companies invested USD 16,0 mln. to Ukrainian industry, USD 15.4 mln. (8.1%) to IT sector, USD 9.80 mln. (5.2%) – to construction.
5. Cultural and humanitarian relations
One of the priorities of Ukrainian-Lithuanian cooperation is the development of ties in cultural sphere, education and science, sports, tourism, as well as expanding ties between regions of two countries.
The positive development of bilateral relations in the cultural sphere was demonstrated by the implementation of an important project – construction of the monument to Taras Shevchenko in Vilnius, September 2011.
One of the the main latest results of the Embassy of Ukraine in Vilnius in cultural direction were Days of Culture of Ukraine in Lithuania (the only Days of Culture of Ukraine abroad in 2014).
Exhibitions and performances of Ukrainian artists in Lithuania are being conducted, Ukrainian writers have always been popular at the International book fair in Vilnius, there has been a large scale cooperation between cities and regions of Ukraine and Lithuania as well as between universities (more than 26 partnerships).
6. Scientific and educational cooperation
The Embassy continues to provide full assistance to comprehensive educational institutions of Ukraine and Lithuania in order to establish bilateral cooperation in the context of introducing European standards of education and training of highly skilled specialists of European level among Ukrainian youth:
- the Government of Lithuania allocated euro 430 th. for education of Ukrainian students, evacuated from the occupied regions of the Donetsk and Lugansk, in the high schools of Lithuania in the 2015/2016 academic years;
- traditionally students of different Ukrainian universities visited Lithuania in the framework the project "EuropeanSchool. Lithuania – history of a successful choice".
7. The legal framework:
Number of bilateral agreements: 149.
Key agreements:
- Agreement on Friendship and Cooperation between Ukraine and Lithuania (02.08.1994);
- Agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of the Republic of Lithuania on promotion and mutual protection of investments (02.08.1994);
- Agreement between the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Government of the Republic of Lithuania on economic, industrial, scientific and technical cooperation (09.12.2005);
- Joint Statement by the President of Ukraine and the President of the Republic of Lithuania which stipulates that relations between Ukraine and Lithuania have gained the level of strategic partnership (12.05.2008);
8. Ukrainian community
Approximately 16000 ethnic Ukrainians live in the Republic of Lithuania making 0.6% of the population of Lithuania. Ukrainians live mostly in the cities of Vilnius (4842 or 2.0%), Klaipeda (3752), Visaginas (2996), Šiauliai (2204), Jonava (1204), Kaunas (1002).
There are 10 organized Ukrainian communities in Lithuania. The most active communities are: the Ukrainian Community of Lithuania (Head - V.Chernyshuk), the Ukrainian Community of Vilnius (N.Shertvitene), the Association of Ukrainians of Baltic Region of Klaipeda city (L.Trehub), the Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Centre of Ukrainian Community of Klaipeda (L.Tryhub), the Ukrainian community of Yonava (L.Arlauskene), the Ukrainian community of Šiauliai (J.Yanchuk), the Ukrainian Community of Visaginas (S.Chertkova).
The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
1. Recognition date: 31 December 1991
2. Diplomatic relations established: 1 July 1992
3. Political relations:
Luxembourg supports Ukraine in its fight for sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence. While having a seat on the UN Security Council (2013-2014) at the height of the Revolution of Dignity, Luxembourg steered tough debates at the critical UN SC meetings where the situation in Ukraine was under scrutiny. Luxembourg consistently shares the EU joint position that the interference into Ukraine’s internal relations is unacceptable. The country traditionally follows the EU stance on many other issues with regard to Ukraine including on the prospects of its European integration.
Luxembourg Presidency of the Council of the EU (till 31 December 2015) keeps an eye on the situation in and around Ukraine, including the state of play on the implementation of the Minsk agreements, pace of internal reforms, inter alia, the constitutional reform on decentralization.
Political dialogue between the two countries is quite lively and carries potential for further development. Luxembourg’s Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn participated in the official inauguration of President Poroshenko on 7 June 2014. On 20 April 2015, while on a working visit to Luxembourg (EaP FM meeting), Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Klimkin met with Luxembourg’s Prime minister Xavier Bettel. On 25-26 June 2015 Foreign Minister Asselborn paid a visit to Ukraine to meet with Ukraine’s political leadership. On 10 September 2015 Foreign Minister Asselborn participated in the “Yalta European Strategy” events and met with Ukraine’s President Petro Poroshenko and Foreign Minister Klimkin.
Inter-parliamentary cooperation between the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and the Chamber of Deputies of Luxembourg carries significant potential for further development. In March 2011 President of the Chamber of Deputies Laurent Mosar paid an official visit to Ukraine. In 2012 an official visit was paid to Luxembourg by the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Volodymyr Lytvyn. In May 2015 Frank Engel, a member of the European Parliament from Luxembourg, as part of a wider MEP group visited Ukraine (towns of Mariupol, Volnovakha, Shyrokine) and met with the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. Ann Brasseur, President of the Council of Europe (MP from Luxembourg) unwaveringly supports Ukraine and personally addressed the Russian authorities to urge them to release immediately Nadiya Savchenko.
Republic of Macedonia
1. Recognition of Ukraine: 1992.
2. Establishment of diplomatic relations: 20 April 1995.
3. Political relations:
Relations between Ukraine and the Republic of Macedonia are based on a mutual trust and absence of any unresolved or controversial issues. Republic of Macedonia supports the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine and does not recognize the annexation of Crimea. Macedonia welcomes the Euro-Atlantic and European integration course of Ukraine.
Last political contact on the highest level took place on 7-8 June 2014 - visit of the President of the Republic of Macedonia G.Ivanov to Ukraine to participate in the Inauguration ceremony of the President of Ukraine P.Poroshenko.
4.Trade and economic cooperation:
Ukraine is an important trade partner for the Republic of Macedonia. According to the State Statistics Service of Ukraine the volume of bilateral trade of goods and services in 2014 amounted to $63.3m (increased by 44.2% or $19.4m compared to the same period in 2013). Ukrainian exports to Macedonia reached $40.7m, imports - $22.6m. The positive balance for Ukraine in bilateral trade amounted to $18.1m.
Main export positions: ferrous metals - 70.7% (hot-rolled steel), copper wire - 18.6%. The rest commodity groups in export amounted less than 3%.
Main import positions: raw tobacco - 46.1%, machines and mechanical devices for special purposes - 25.3%, electric batteries - 12.3%, medicines - 9.1%, vegetables - 4.4%. The rest commodity groups in export amounted less than 3%.
During 2014 Ukraine invested in the economy of the Republic of Macedonia €21.22m.
5.Cultural cooperation:
The most effective forms of cultural and humanitarian cooperation between Ukraine and Macedonia are interactions between ministries of culture, national music academies, theaters, festivals’ organizers etc. Traditionally, literary translation holds an important place within the mentioned cooperation. However, active work can be seen within the framework of the signed agreements on cooperation between cities and regions (8) as well as between universities of our countries (5 partnerships).
6.Scientific and educational cooperation:
Scientific cooperation is based on the Agreement on scientific cooperation between the National Academies, signed in February 1997. Organisation every two years since 2002 Days of Science of Ukraine in Macedonia and Macedonian Science Days in Ukraine alternately has become a good tradition. The last such event was held in Kyiv in September 2012.
Educational cooperation is based on agreements concluded between the following universities:
- Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and Ss. Cyril and Methodius University of Skopje;
- National Pedagogical Dragomanov University and Goce Delcev University in Stip;
- V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University and Goce Delcev University in Stip;
- Nizhyn Gogol State University and St. Clement of Ohrid University of Bitola;
- Uzhgorod State University and Ss. Cyril and Methodius University of Skopje;
- Lviv National Agrarian University and Ss. Cyril and Methodius University of Skopje.
The Institute of Philology of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv offers classes of Macedonian language as wellas Ss. Cyril and Methodius University of Skopje offers classes of Ukrainian language.
7.The legal basis: number of valid documents - 40.
Key documents:
- Agreement on Friendship and Cooperation between Ukraine and the Republic of Macedonia (06.26.2000)
- Free Trade Agreement between Ukraine and the Republic of Macedonia (10.09.2001);
- Agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of the Republic of Macedonia on the promotion and mutual protection of investments (25.03.2000);
- Agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of the Republic of Macedonia on terms of mutual trips of citizens.
8. Ukrainian community:
Total - about 140 ethnic Ukrainians who are citizens of the Republic of Macedonia.
Association of Ukrainians - Ukrainian community in Macedonia named after Lesya Ukrainka (about 50 members), established in December 2003. Chair - Ivan Sydorenko.
9.Diplomatic missions of Ukraine: Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Macedonia
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The Republic of Moldova
1. Recognition of Ukraine: December 27, 1991.
2. Establishment of diplomatic relations between Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova: March 10, 1992.
3. Political relations:
Ukraine has constructive and mutually beneficial dialogue with the Republic of Moldova on wide bilateral and international agenda.
There are active bilateral exchanges on high level:
November 20, 2014 - President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko paid an official visit to the Republic of Moldova;
February 22, 2015 - President of the Republic of Moldova Nicolae Timofti paid a visit to Ukraine.
Interparliamentary Friendship Group between Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova was established in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine as well as in the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova.
4. Trade and economic cooperation
In 2014 the total trade turnover between Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova amounted to 805.67 million U.S. dollars.
Compared with previous year bilateral trade turnover has decreased by 199,23 million U.S. dollars (19,8%).
Export has decreased by 17,0%, import has decreased by 33,1 %. Positive balance for Ukraine equalled 681,95 million U.S. dollars.
5. Cultural and humanitarian cooperation:
The Ukrainian Culture and Information Centre within the Embassy of Ukraine was opened in 2007.
Annually the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Moldova organizes the Republican Olympiad of the Ukrainian Language and Literature.
6. Cooperation in science and education:
Cooperation between universities and academic institutions of the two countries is actively developing.
The priority fields of scientific and technical cooperation are: environment protection, information technologies, new materials, biotechnologies, energy and energy-saving technologies, medicine and pharmacology.
7. Legal basis of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova:
Number of agreements signed: 129.
Key bilateral documents:
Agreement on good neighbourhood relations, friendship and cooperation between Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova (1992);
Agreement between Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova on the state border (1999);
Consular Convention between Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova (1995).
8. Ukrainian community in the Republic of Moldova:
According to the official data, 477 thousand Ukrainians live in the Republic of Moldova.
There are 19 Ukrainian organizations in the Republic of Moldova.
9. Diplomatic mission of Ukraine in the Republic of Moldova:
Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Moldova - http://moldova.mfa.gov.ua/ua.
Kingdom of the Netherlands
1. Recognition Ukraine: 31 December 1991
2. Establishment of diplomatic relations: 1 April 1992
The Embassy of the Netherlands in Ukraine was opened in autumn 1992. The Embassy of Ukraine in Benelux, among the functions of which was the representation of Ukraine in the Netherlands was opened in Brussels in 1993 and the dedicated diplomatic mission of Ukraine in the Kingdom of the Netherlands started its activities in the Hague in 2002.
3. Political Relations
Political relations between Ukraine and the Netherlands are characterized by a dynamic development of political contacts and high level of interaction. The Netherlands unconditionally support Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and express hopes for the implementation of Minsk agreements in full by all parties. The Netherlands are also supporting Ukraine in the context of illegal occupation of Crimea and the Russian aggression in the east of Ukraine. The country supports and is actively involved in the implementation of the European reforms in Ukraine. There is a dynamic political dialogue between the states, including at the highest level. High-level meetings in the framework of international events and conferences are held regularly. The most recent meeting of the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte was held in the framework of the Riga Eastern Partnership Summit on May 21, 2015. There is also a continuous bilateral dialogue at the intergovernmental, inter-parliamentary and inter-agency level, including between the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands Bert Koenders. The most recent working visit of the Ukrainian Foreign Minister to the Netherlands was held on September 8-9, 2015.
A separate very important and sensitive point of the political dialogue at all levels between Ukraine and the Netherlands is the Malaysian Airlines flight MN17 tragedy, which occurred July 17, 2014 and caused the deaths of 298 passengers and crew members, 196 of whom were citizens of the Netherlands. The parties attach paramount importance to the case of uncovering the circumstances and causes of the disaster, as well as bringing the perpetrators of this crime against humanity to justice.
Parliamentary dialogue is also developing. On March 31, 2015 the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine created parliamentary group on the interparliamentary relations with the Netherlands, composed of 14 MPs of Ukraine. Chairman of the group is Natalia Katser-Buchkivsku (faction of the political party "Popular Front"). In the Netherlands, the Parliament currently has no practice of group creation of inter-parliamentary ties.
4. Trade and economic relations
The Netherlands is one of the key trade and investment partners of Ukraine. In the first half of 2015 the Netherlands took 6th place in the EU in terms of trade turnover with Ukraine (7th in 2013 and 5th in 2014) with a share of 5.1% (4.5 % in 2013 and 4.9% in 2014) and the 6th place in terms of trade in services (7th in 2013 and 4th in 2014) with a share of 4.3% (3.9% in 2013 and 6% in 2014).
In 2014 the volume of bilateral trade in goods and services between Ukraine and the Netherlands amounted to $2.2789 billion. decreasing, due to the falling imports compared to the same period the previous year by 7%.
Exports of goods and services from Ukraine to the Netherlands increased by 16.8% and amounted to $1.3881 billion. Meanwhile, imports of goods and services decreased by 29.5% and amounted to $890.8 million. The balance of trade in goods and services was positive reaching $497.3 million profit (versus the negative balance in 2013 of $115.9 million).
During January-June 2015 the volume of bilateral trade in goods and services between Ukraine and the Netherlands fell by 35.9% to $786.5 million.
Exports of goods and services decreased by 31.3% to $526.7 million, while imports decreased by 43.7% and amounted to $259.8 million. The balance of trade in goods and services was positive reaching $266.9 million profit.
The most important articles of Ukrainian exports to the Netherlands have been: grain, metals, fats and oils of animal or vegetable origin, residues and waste from food industries, meat and edible offal.
The most important articles of Dutch exports to Ukraine have been plastic and polymer products, boilers and machinery, pharmaceutical products, transport means, cocoa and its products, organic chemicals and chemical products, live trees and plants, pearls and precious or semi-precious stones.
There are about 500 companies with Dutch capital operating in Ukraine. The largest investors in the economy of Ukraine are now "Royal Dutch Shell", "ING Ukraine", "Rabobank", "Philips", "Akzo Nobel", "Damen Shipyards" and "Unilever Export".
As of July 1, 2015 p. the Kingdom of the Netherlands retained the 3rd place among 133 countries in terms of investments into the economy of Ukraine, with the volume of investments of $ 5,108.0 million. (the share increased since the beginning of the year from 11.1% to 11.9%).
There is a separate Netherlands-Ukrainian Council operating in the framework of the Dutch Trade Facilitation Council. The Dutch business in Ukraine is presented by a business club "Kyiv-the Netherlands".
5. Cultural and humanitarian cooperation
There is a number of local Ukrainian music and dance groups active in the Netherlands, performing popularization of Ukrainian musical tradition in the country. In particular these are, the Lysenko Choir, Utrecht Byzantine Choir, "Rusalka" Folk Ensemble, "Otrada", "Druzhba" Choir. Given the significant interest in the Netherlands to the Ukrainian music and singing, both folk and classical, Ukrainian performers are regularly invited to tour the Netherlands. The Dutch organizations engaged in the promotion of Ukrainian culture are "Matrix Orange", Humanitarian Foundation "Suputnyk", Platform “Ukraine-Netherlands", Foundation "Ukrainians in the Netherlands', “Brand New Ukraine” organization. These organizations regularly organize various information and image events, cultural performances and arts festivals "Days of Ukraine" in some cities of the Netherlands.
There are more than 40 Dutch organizations working to provide social and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and to meet the cultural interest of the Dutch in Eastern European (including Ukrainian) culture. It is quite often that immigrants of Ukrainian origin are actively involved in the operation of such organization.
6. Scientific and educational cooperation
One of the most promising areas of cooperation in science and education between Ukraine and the Netherlands is university ties. In order to expand the contacts between universities of Ukraine and the Netherlands, constant dialogue is maintained with the Delft University of Technology, Leiden University, Utrecht University, and Maastricht University.
Also promising may be considered cooperation between Ukraine and the Netherlands in the aerospace industry. In particular, on July 8, 2015 a delegation of the National Space Agency of Ukraine visited the Netherlands. During the visit, talks were conducted with the European Space Agency (ESA) on the ways of expanding cooperation.
At the European Space Research and Technology Centre(ESTEC) Noordwijk, Ukrainian experts presented priority projects and programs of the Ukrainian space industry, were in turn told about the work of the ESA ESTEC, and discussed with their European colleagues how should they deepen their cooperation.
7. Bilateral Agreements
Number of documents: 36.
8. Ukrainian community.
Ukrainian diaspora in the Netherlands is not not numerous compared with such large Ukrainian communities as the one in the US, Canada, Germany or Belgium. Overall, the number of ethnic Ukrainians in the Netherlands is estimated from 3 to 5 thousand. However, these are not accurate due to the fact that the Netherlands Bureau of Statistics (CBS) could not establish the exact number of Ukrainian, because all people born before 31.12.1991 were recorded in the database as Dutch immigrants from the former Soviet Union.
There has been a spike in the activity of Ukrainian community and its cohesion around realizing various projects and activities, and the establishment of national cultural and humanitarian communities in the Netherlands. To date, the Foundation 'Ukrainians in the Netherlands "is the most active association around which a vast majority of representatives of the Ukrainian community in the Netherlands are gathered. Since April 2014, the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church has been active in the Netherlands, church services in Ukrainian are held twice a month. Also, the Ukrainian community has organized four Saturday / Sunday Ukrainian Schools in The Hague, Amsterdam, Groningen and Eindhoven.
Kingdom of Norway
Recognition of Ukraine: December 24, 1991.
Establishment of Diplomatic Relations: February 05, 1992.
High-level Dialogue:
Political dialogue with the Kingdom of Norway is being developed both at bilateral level and within international organizations and fora. There are no unsettled issues in Ukrainian-Norwegian relations.
Exchange of first ever official visits of Prime Ministers of both countries (Mykola Azarov on November 29-30, 2012 and Erna Solberg on November 18, 2014) became an important development in relations between the two countries. E.Solberg met with President of Ukraine P.Poroshenko, Prime Minister of Ukraine A.Yatseniuk and Head of Parliament O.Turchynov.
The Kingdom of Norway clearly and continuously adheres to the principles of democracy and protection of people’s rights on international arena and unconditionally supports sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. It is co-author of UN Resolution on territorial integrity of Ukraine, provides assistance in the OSCE (USD 1 mln was allocated and 14 members in the OSCE SMM) and in the Council of Europe (supported PACE Resolutions), is a member of the UN Trust Funds, implemented 7 rounds of restrictive measures against the Russian Federation, suspended cooperation with the RF in military sphere by the end of 2015, allocated NOK 200 mln to support budget of Ukraine, over EURO 35 mln for humanitarian assistance, established Norwegian Refugee Council office in Severodonetsk.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway B.Brende and Minister of EEA and EU Affairs V.Helgesen have visited Ukraine 7 times lately (in December 2013, March, May, September 2014 and May 2015, as well as in September and November 2014 respectively).
A number of visits have taken place since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ukraine and the Kingdom of Norway. Stortinget Presidents K.Grondahl (1999), T.Jagland (2005 and 2009), Stortinget Vice-President I.Lonning (2005) visited Ukraine. First visit of Head of Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine V.Lytvyn to the Kingdom of Norway was paid in 2003. On September 11-12, Head of the Parliament of Ukraine O.Turchynov visited Oslo and met with President of Stortinget O.Thommessen, Prime Minister E.Solberg and Minister of Foreign Affairs B.Brende, and President of Storting O.Thommessen paid a visit to Ukraine on March 15-17, 2015 р. A group for interparliamentary cooperation comprising 58 MPs and co-headed by I.Gryniv and R.Lukianchuk was established in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
Current High-level Bilateral Bodies:
On November 18, 2014, an agreement on establishing an Intergovernmental commission on cooperation in trade, entrepreneurship and economy was signed. It is headed by Minister of Energy and Coal Industry of Ukraine V.Demchyshyn and Minister of Trade and Industry of the Kingdom of Norway M.Maeland and the first meeting is scheduled for November 2015 inOslo.
Trade and Economic Cooperation:
Free Trade Agreement between Ukraine and the EFTA (signed on June 24, 2010 inReykjavik and entered into force on 01 June, 2012) became a strong impetus for the development of bilateral relations.
Bilateral trade turnover in goods and services is 40% up in 2014 in comparison with 2013 and amounted to approx. USD 637 mln. Such a rocketing increase is explained by import of the Norwegian gas since October 2014 within the frameworks of a contract between NAC “Naftogaz” and “Statoil”.
During the first six months of 2015, export of goods and services from Ukraine amounted to over USD 16 mln, import from Norway, to USD 470 mln. Negative balance of bilateral trade in goods and services is over USD 454 mln.
As of April 1, 2015, Norway has invested USD 4.9 mil (USD 1.12 mln decrease since January 1). Investments breakdown is the following: 38% in professional, scientific and technical activity, 21% in industry, 19.8% in transport, 9.8% in wholesale and retail trade. There is no official information on Ukrainian investments in the Kingdom of Norway.
Bilateral Treaties Framework comprises 33 current interstate, intergovernmental and sectorial agreements.
Cultural and Humanitarian Cooperation
There is constant flow of cultural events in two countries which allow to better understand each other. A number of Ukrainian poets, writers, singers, journalists presented their work to the Norwegians.
The Norwegian Refugee Council inaugurated its office in Severodonetsk in December 2014 and is implementing programs in “Shelter and Non Food Items”, “Water, Sanitation and Hygiene” and “Information, Counseling and Legal Assistance”.
Cooperation of the Norwegian and Ukrainian humanitarian organizations as well as the constructive dialogue between the major associations of two countries go on.
Cooperation in Science and Education
The main areas for cooperation in this sphere are business, geospace, water resources, arts etc. “Ukrainian-Norwegian Sustainable Development in Education and Research” project between KyivNationalTarasShevchenkoUniversity and University of Nordland joint programs were established which culminated in awarding more than 120 Master Diplomas, 30 PhDs and special training for 60 teachers. “Memorandum On Cooperation” between University of Nordland and 12 Ukrainian higher education establishments was signed. Cooperation between NTU “Kyiv Polytechnic Institute” and GjovikUniversity resulted in inauguration of electronic study center for sustainable development in Kyiv.
National University “KyivMohylaAcademy” develops a project on “Economy Study with Dynamic Modeling - 3” with BergenUniversity and cooperates with the Norwegian Business Management School BI (Oslo) on the basis of the agreement signed in 2006 which allows 10 Ukrainian students a year to attend special course.
Oslo is traditionally visited by Ukrainian delegations with the support of “The Bohdan Havrylyshyn Foundation” to learn local experience in business and municipal development.
Ukrainian Community
There are two registered Ukrainian organizations in Oslo and Bergen. A Sunday Ukrainian school for children is functioning in Oslo.
Regular church services in Ukrainian have been held at St.Joseph kirke in Oslo since 2010
The Republic of Poland
1. Recognition of Ukraine: 2 December 1991 (Poland was the first state in the world to recognize the independence of Ukraine).
2. Establishment of diplomatic relations: 4 January 1992.
3. Bilateral Relations:
3.1 In 1992 Ukraine and Poland signed the Treaty on Good Neighbourship, Friendly Relations and Cooperation. In 1998 Ukraine and Poland upgraded their relations to those of a strategic partnership. Strategic nature of the Ukrainian-Polish relations is underpinned by geographical proximity, common history, cultural similarities, common interests in many spheres, with focus on security matters. Bilateral relations are featured by mutual trust and intensive cooperation at all levels. Poland was among the staunchest supporters of the Revolution of Dignity in Ukraine. Warsaw resolutely condemned Russia’ illegal occupation of Crimea and its military intervention into the Eastern parts of Ukraine. Poland spares no effort to consolidate the positions of the EU and NATO member-states to support Ukraine. The Polish side renders considerable humanitarian aid to Ukraine for those affected by the war in the Donbas region. Polish experts are consulting Kyiv on decentralization and anticorruption policies. Poland maintains the most active advocate of Ukraine’s rapprochement with the EU. Ukraine’s membership in the EU is in Poland’s strategic interests.
3.2 High-level Dialogue (in 2014-2015):
Ukraine and Poland enjoy vigorous political dialogue. 2014 saw 27 high-level bilateral meetings. In 2015 this figure is by far 14. Presidents of Ukraine and Poland exchanged their official visits in 2014-2015: President Petro Poroshenko of Ukraine was in Warsaw on 17 December and President Bronislaw Komorowski of Poland visited Kyiv on 8-9 April 2015. In 2015 each President as well paid two mutual visits on various occasions. On 14 August 2015 President Poroshenko had his first phone conversation with the newly elected President of Poland Andrzej Duda. Presidents are supposed to have their first meeting on the margins of the UNGA 70th session in New York. Close ties are also in place between the governments and the prime ministers of both states. On 19 January 2015 in Kyiv the Ukrainian and Polish heads of government, Arseniy Yatsenyuk and Ewa Kopacz, inaugurated the first intergovernmental consultations, which represent a new and efficient form of dialogue bringing together prime ministers and chiefs of the key ministries. Arseniy Yatsenyuk, for his turn, paid a visit to Warsaw on 9 September 2015.
3.3 Dialogue between the Foreign Offices (in 2014-2015):
Intense dialogue is established as well between the MFAs. In 2014-2015 heads and senior officials of the Ukrainian and Polish MFAs met twice for the MFAs Council meetings. Consultations between the MFA departments are also a usual practice. Foreign Ministers Pavlo Klimkin and Grzegorz Schetyna maintain regular contact with each another.
3.4 Interparliamentary Cooperation:
Cooperation between the Parliaments of Ukraine and Poland rests upon the three key elements: Ukraine-Poland Interparliamentary Assembly, Ukraine-Poland-Lithuania Interparliamentary Assembly and the Ukrainian-Polish Interparliamentary Group. The bilateral Assembly consists of 20 members of the Verkhovna Rada and 20 members of the Sejm and is co-chaired by the deputy heads of parliament. The Assembly lately convened on 21-22 June 2015. The trilateral Assembly is co-chaired by the heads of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the Senate of Poland and the Sejm of Lithuania. The latest meeting of the Assembly took place on 29 May 2015.
The Ukrainian part of the Interparliamentary Group numbers 85 MPs and is chaired by Borys Tarasyuk (“Batkivshchyna”). The Polish part has 59 members of the Sejm and the Senate of Poland and is chaired by Maria Zuba (“Law and Justice”).
3.5 High-level Bilateral Institutions:
Ukraine and Poland have set up 10 institutional mechanisms to streamline key bilateral issues. These include, inter alia, Presidents’ Advisory Committee, Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, Intergovernmental Council on Interregional Cooperation, MFAs’ Council, European Integration Conference, Ukraine-Poland Interparliamentary Assembly, Ukraine-Poland-Lithuania Interparliamentary Assembly, Ukraine-Poland Economic Forum, Ukraine-Poland Partnership Forum.
4. Bilateral Economic Relations:
Poland is now Ukraine’s leading trade partner from Central and Eastern Europe and Ukraine’s fourth largest trade partner in the world. In January-June 2015 bilateral trade in goods and services made up USD 2,1 bln and is showing a decrease. Goods trade keeps traditionally prevailing over services trade.
Volume of bilateral trade in goods in January-June 2015 amounted to USD 1,9 bln and decreased by 32,3% compared to the relevant period of 2014. Ukrainian export to Poland shrank by 37,7% and made USD 929,4 mln. Polish import to Ukraine also shrank but saw less reduction (26,8%) and reached slightly over USD 1 bln.
Trade balance in goods resulted in deficit for Ukraine, amounting to USD 136,1 mln.
Ukraine’s exports to Poland include ferrous metals (17%), electric machinery and equipment (16,5%), ores, slag and ash (12,1), wood and wooden products (8,9%), preserved vegetables (5,3%). Ukraine’s imports from Poland include energy materials, oil and refining products (21,4%), electric machinery and equipment (10,1%), plastics (8,9%), boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances (6,2%), paper and cardboard (3,1%).
Volume of bilateral trade in services in January-June 2015 amounted to USD 128,9 mln. and decreased by 27% compared to the relevant period of 2014. Ukraine exported services to Poland in the amount of USD 84,3 mln (reduction by 20,3%). The amount of Polish services imported to Ukraine made up USD 44,6 mln (reduction by 39,7%).
As of 1 July 2015 Poland invested in Ukraine USD 790,8 mln, which makes 1,8% of all foreign direct investments in Ukraine. Since the beginning of 2015 Polish investments in Ukraine shrank by USD 40,4 mln.
Following are the biggest Polish investments in Ukraine: “Cersanit” building ceramics factory, “Barlinek” parquet flooring factory, “New Style” furniture factory, “Ken-Pak” packaging factory, “Inter-Groclin” car parts factory, “Polimex-Mostostal” metalworking factory, “Kredobank”, “Plus Bank”, “Agromisto” cluster formation.
As of 1 July 2015 Ukraine invested in Poland USD 51,3 mln, which makes 0,8% of the total volume of Ukrainian investments abroad. Since the beginning of 2015 Ukrainian investments in Poland decreased by USD 2,1 mln. However, there are grounds to believe that real volume of Ukrainian investments, which for some reasons are not regarded by the Ukrainian statistics, exceed USD 1 bln.
The biggest Ukrainian investment projects in Poland include "Huta Czestochowa" steel works (investor - ISD), "Stochne Gdansk" shipbuilding plant (investor - "ISD"), "Huta pokoj" (investor - "Privat" Group), "Helios" lighting devices factory (investor - "Iskra"), "T.B. Fruit Dwikozy" fruit processing plant (investor - "T.B. Fruit", owner of "Yablunevyj Dar" trademark), "Ostrowia" Mazovian cheese plant (investor - "Milkiland" Group of companies).
5. Cultural Cooperation
Both countries are keen to popularize their cultural heritage. Cooperating with Poland, Ukraine focuses mainly on three areas: learning Poland’s experience in the reform of the cultural sphere management, providing Poland’s support to integrate Ukrainian art and culture into the European cultural environment and disseminating Ukraine’s cultural achievements.
A number of exciting events to popularize Ukrainian ethos are taking place in Poland in the course of the year. To name but a few: Ukrainian Culture Festival in Sopot, Ukrainian Spring in Poznan, Lemkivska Vatra in Zhdynia and Bytivska Vatra in Bytow, Kupalska Nich (night) and Pidlaska Osin’ (fall). The events are arranged jointly by the Ukrainian community in Poland, NGOs and state institutions.
Ukrainian talents are regular guests of the The Rise of Eastern Culture festival organized by the Polish National Culture Centre. Modern artists from Ukraine also contribute to the festival of Polish, German and Ukrainian cultures named Most/Brücke (bridge).
Ukrainian Days gained special popularity with the Polish. They are held in different cities, towns and universities across Poland. Here one can learn Ukrainian traditions and taste the Ukrainian cuisine.
6. Cooperation in the Area of Education
Ukraine’s priorities in this field are to provide for educational needs of the Ukrainian minority in Poland and to expand people-to-people contacts. Both sides attach special importance to the increase of exchanges between schools and universities. Ukraine and Poland have recently established the Council for Youth Exchange, which is to promote yet more school exchanges and further expand people-to-people contacts.
Poland provides annual grants for Ukrainian students to study at the College of Europe in Natolin, which major is the European integration studies.
An estimated 23,5 thousand Ukrainians are studying in Polish universities. In 2014/2015 academic year the Polish Government offered 500 educational grants for students and post-graduates from Ukraine, most of whom originate from the Donbas region and the occupied Crimea.
We also look forward to having extended exchange of Ukrainian and Polish language teachers and nursery teachers, in pursuance of the bilateral Agreement on Cooperation in the Area of Education, signed in January 2015.
There are 5 schools with the Ukrainian as the language of tuition and more than 140 centers of the Ukrainian language study in Poland.
7. Bilateral Agreements
There are 135 bilateral agreements in force between Ukraine and Poland. Not to mention over 470 cooperation agreements concluded on the regional level.
Treaty on Good Neighbourship, Friendly Relations and Cooperation of 1992 serves as the foundation of cooperation between the two states.
Other key bilateral instruments include Intergovernmental Agreement on Reciprocal Encouragement and Protection of Investments of 1993, Intergovernmental Agreement on Economic Cooperation of 2005 and Agreement between Ukraine and Poland on Social Security of 2012.
A number of new bilateral instruments covering trade, energy, trans border, transport, environmental, cultural and defense issues undergo the drafting process.
8. Ukrainian Community in Poland
Ukrainians in Poland belong to the indigenous population, which, prior to forced resettlement in 1944-1945 and the Vistula Operation in 1947, resided compactly in the southeastern parts of Poland.
According to the last population census of 2011, there are 49 thousand Ukrainians and 10 thousand Lemkos living in Poland.
Ethnic Ukrainians nowadays reside mostly in the northern and western regions of Poland. The most numerous group of Ukrainians (more than 12 thousand) live in Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship (Olsztyn).
Ukrainians in Poland have a number of non-profit organizations. The leading Ukrainian organizations include Association of Ukrainians in Poland, Union of Ukrainians from Podlasie, Association of Lemkos, Ukrainian Association, Ukrainians Teachers’ Association, Ukrainian Culture Foundation, Union of Ukrainian Women in Poland.
9. Diplomatic Missions of Ukraine in Poland
Embassy of Ukraine in Poland – http://poland.mfa.gov.ua/ua
Consulate General of Ukraine in Krakow – http://krakow.mfa.gov.ua/ua
Consulate General of Ukraine in Lublin – http://lublin.mfa.gov.ua/ua
Consulate of Ukraine in Gdansk – http://gdansk.mfa.gov.ua/ua
Romania
1. Recognition of Ukraine: January 8, 1992.
2. Establishment of diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Romania: February 1, 1992.
3. Political relations
Ukraine has constructive and mutually beneficial dialogue with Romania on wide bilateral and international agenda.
Bucharest was the first EU member-state to ratify the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement (3.07.2014).
There are active bilateral exchanges on high level:
March 17, 2015 - President of Romania Mr Klaus Johannis paid an official visit to Ukraine;
February 17, 2015 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Mr Pavlo Klimkin paid an official visit to Romania.
Interparliamentary Friendship Group between Ukraine and Romania was established in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine as well as in the Chamber of Deputies of Romania.
4. Trade and Economic Cooperation
In 2014 the total trade turnover between Ukraine and Romania amounted to 1 431,86 million U.S. dollars (export - 584,52 million U.S. dollars, import - 847,34 million U.S. dollars).
Compared with previous year bilateral trade turnover has decreased by 0,7 %, export has increased by 6,9%, import has decreased by 5,4 %. Negative balance for Ukraine equalled 262,83 million U.S. dollars.
5. Cooperation in science and education:
Cooperation between universities and academic institutions of the two countries is actively developing. There are academic exchange programs in social sciences and humanities between Chernivtsi National Yuriy Fedkovych University, Lviv Polytechnic University and universities of Bucharest, Cluj, Suceava, Iasi and Galați.
In the city Sighetu Marmatiei, Maramures (Romania) there is the Ukrainian Taras Shevchenko Lyceum.
6. Legal basis of Ukraine and Romania
Number of agreements signed: 44.
Key bilateral documents:
Joint Communiqué on Establishment of Consular Relations between Ukraine and Romania (14.03.1995);
Agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of Romania on the Principles of Relations and Co-operation between Ukraine and Romania (1997);
Agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of Romania on Ukrainian-Romanian State Border Regime, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance on Border Issues (2004).
7. Ukrainian community in Romania
According to the official data, is 50,9 thousand Ukrainians live in Romania (0,27% of the total population).
The main districts densely populated by Ukrainians are Maramuresh (31000), Timish (6000), Suceava (5700) and Karash-Severin (2600).
There are two Ukrainian organizations in Romania.
The Union of Ukrainians in Romania was created in 1990 (The Union has one seat at the Romanian Parliament and also the Union is represented in the Council of National Minorities).
The Ukrainian Culture and Information Centre within the Embassy of Ukraine has been opened in 2007.
8.Diplomatic mission of Ukraine in Romania:
Embassy of Ukraine in Romania – http://romania.mfa.gov.ua/ua
The Portuguese Republic
1. Recognition of Ukraine: January 07, 1992
2. Diplomatic relations established: January 27, 1992
Diplomatic Missions: Embassy of the PortugueseRepublic in Ukraine (since December 1993), Embassy of Ukraine in Portugal (since March 2000), Consulate of Ukraine in Porto; Honorary Consulate of Ukraine in Lisbon.
3. Political dialogue
Main High-Level contacts:
December, 1996 – First meeting between Presidents of Ukraine L.Kuchma and Portugal J.Sampaio during Lisbon Summit OSCE;
October, 1997 - meeting between Presidents of Ukraine L.Kuchma and Portugal Prime-Minister A.Guterres during Council of Europe Summit in Strasbourg;
April 13-16, 1998 – State visit of the President of Portugal J.Sampajo to Ukraine. Both sides discussed broad issues of bilateral cooperation development and implementation of Ukrainian euro integration aspirations;
August 30 - September 01, 2000 - meeting between the Chairman of Verkhovna Rada I.Plusch and President of the Assembly (Parliament) of the Portuguese Republic A.Santos during International Conference of Presidents of Parliaments states-members of Inter-parliamentary cooperation in New York;
October 25-27, 2000 – State visit of the President of Ukraine L. Kuchma to Portuguese Republic made important contribution into development of Ukraine-Portugal cooperation in all spheres. The negotiation between Foreign Minister of Ukraine A.Zlenko with his colleague J.Gama in visits’ framework took place in the atmosphere of full mutual understanding. Several bilateral agreements were signed including Friendship and Cooperation Agreement between both countries. This Agreement, which came into force on 01.09.2014 has established broad legal framework for further bilateral relations development in political, trade and economic, humanitarian spheres;
September 02, 2002 - during the meeting between the President of Ukraine L.Kuchma and Portugal Prime-Minister J.Barroso on World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg major accent was on employment of Ukrainians in Portugal;
September 22, 2003 - the President of Ukraine L.Kuchma and the President of Portugal J.Sampaio on 58th UN General Assembly in New-York discussed political dialog acceleration furthering on all levels and ways for trade and economic cooperation acceleration. The President of Portugal stated that his country supports Ukraine’s strategy on euro- and Atlantic integration;
April 29, 2004 - new meeting of Ukraine and Portugal leaders in the framework of European Economic Summit in Warsaw;
September 14 2007- on behalf of Portuguese Chairmanship in the EU the Prime-Minister of Portugal J.Socrates as the President of the European Council, and Foreign Minister L.Amado took part in Eleventh EU-Ukraine Summit in Kyiv. This event has marked important step in bilateral relations development;
April 20-23, 2008 – First in the history of bilateral relations official visit of the Chairmen of the Verkhovna Rada A.Yatsenyuk to the Portuguese Republic. The main goal of the visit of the Head of the supreme legislative body in Ukraine has become discussion on Ukrainian eurointegration and euroatlantic aspirations, furthering of inter-parliamentary and trade & economic cooperation and issues dealing with interest and rights protection of Ukrainians temporary living and working in Portugal. Visit provided additional momentum to inter-parliamentary contacts developments, including personal meetings between heads of parliamentary committees on European and Foreign relations, defense and friendship groups. It also permitted to identify different cooperation priorities;
June 23-24, 2008 – official visit of the President of Ukraine V. Yuschenko to the Portuguese Republic. The President of Ukraine hold talks with the President of Portugal A.Cavaco Silva, the Prime Minister J.Socrates, the President of the Republican Assembly (Parliament) J.Gama and leaders of all parliamentary factions. The members of the official Ukrainian delegation – Foreign Minister V.Ogryzko, Minister of Defense Yu.Ekhanurov, Minister of Science and Education I.Vakarchuk, Minister of Culture and Tourism V.Vovkun met their colleagues and held bilateral meetings to discuss further cooperation in corresponded sectors on issues of mutual interest. The following bilateral agreements have been signed during the visit: Road Mad of Portugal – Ukraine Relation on 2008-2010, Agreement between Ukraine and Portugal on aviation services, On fight against organized crime and Agreement between Ukraine and Portuguese republic on Military cooperation;
September 29, 2011 – meeting of the President of Ukraine V.Yanukovych and Portugal Prime Minister P Passos Coelho during “Eastern Partnership” Summit in Warsaw.
4. Contact on Foreign Ministries Level
Political dialog on Foreign Ministers level started during the visit to Ukraine of Portugal Foreign Minister João de Deus Pinheiro on January 26-27, 1992.
May, 1997 - bilateral meeting of the Foreign Ministers in the framework North-Atlantic Cooperation Council Meeting in Sintra (Portugal). The Charter of Special Partnership between Ukraine and NATO has been initialized.;
December, 1999 - bilateral meetings of Foreign Ministers during д Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council meeting in Brussels. Bilateral relations issues and EU-Ukraine cooperation during Portuguese Chairmanship in the EU (First Half of 2000) were discussed. During this period EU Strategy toward Ukraine Action Plan has been developed;
February 09-10, 2000 - first official visit of Ukrainian Foreign Minister B. Tarasiuk to Portugal. B. Tarasiuk met the President of Portugal J.Sampaio, the President of the Republican Assembly (Parliament) A. Almeida Santos, Foreign Minister J.Gama. The Memoranda of Mutual Understanding on Cooperation between Ukraine and Portugal Foreign Ministries and Convention of Double Taxation Avoidance Elimination and Prevention of Tax Fraud between Ukraine and Portugal were signed in the visit’s;
May 29 and December, 2001 - meeting between Foreign Minister of Ukraine A.Zlenko and his Portuguese colleague J.Gama during “Ukraine-NATO” Commission Meeting (Budapest, May 29-20) and in the framework of Ministerial North-Atlantic Cooperation Council Meeting (Bucharest, December 03);
September 16 2002 - enhancement of bilateral relations and current international relations issues discussed during Foreign Ministers meeting on 57th UN General Assembly Session in New York;
February 12-13, 2003 - in the framework of the official visit to Ukraine Foreign Minister A. Martins da Cruz met the President of Ukraine L.Kuchma, the Prime-Minister V.Yanukovych, the Chairman of Verkhovna Rada V.Litvyn. There wre negotiuations between A. Martins da Cruz and Ukrainian Foreign Minister A.Zlenko. The Agreement on Temporary Employment of Ukrainian Citizens in Portugal has been signed;
During 2003-2004 - there were two meetings of the Foreign Ministers on December 2003 in Maastricht (K.Gryschenko and T.Gouveia) and on Septembers 21, 2004 in New York (K.Gryschenko and A.Monteiro);
April 28, 2006 - Foreign Minister of Ukraine B.Tarasiuk held negotiations with his Portuguese colleague D.Freitas do Amaral during “Ukraine-NATO” Commission Meeting in Sofia (Bulgaria);
November 16-18, 2006 - official visit of Ukrainian Foreign Minister B. Tarasiuk to Portugal.;
April 27, 2007 - during informal Ministerial Meeting NATO member- statesу in Oslo (Norway) Ukrainian Foreign Minister A. Yatseniuk met his Portuguese Colleague L.Amado;
September 24, 2010 – meeting between Ukrainian Foreign Minister K.Gryshchenko and Portuguese Foreign Minister L.Amado in the framework UN General Assembly in New York;
December 05, 2011 – meeting between Ukrainian Foreign Minister K.Gryshchenko and Portuguese Foreign Minister P.Portas in the frame work of International Conference on Afghanistan in Bonn;
September 25, 2013 - meeting between Ukrainian Foreign Minister L.Kozhara and Portuguese Foreign Minister R.Machete in the framework 68th UN General Assembly Session in New York. The Road Map of Ukraine-Portugal Relations on 2013-2015 was signed.
September 25, 2014 - meeting between Ukrainian Foreign Minister P.Klimkin and Portuguese Foreign Minister R.Machete in the framework 69th UN General Assembly. Portuguese Minister expressed firm support of Ukrainian territorial integrity during the meeting.
5. Inter-parliamentary cooperation:
- May 17 2006 first official registration of Friend of Ukraine Group at Portugal Republican Assembly (Parliament). The members list was updated on January 23, 2012
- The list of the Deputies Group on inter-parliamentary relations with Portugal at Verkhovna Rada was updated in May 2013.
6. High-Level Bilateral Bodies:
Intergovernmental Ukraine – Portugal Commission on Economic, Industrial and Technical Cooperation
7. Legal Cooperation Framework
Legal cooperation framework includes 50 bilateral documents on intergovernmental, inter-ministerial, inter-regional and inter-institutional levels.
Key Documents:
– Friendship and Cooperation Agreement between Ukraine and Portugal (October 25, 2000);
– Reciprocal Protection and Promotion of Investments Agreement Between Ukraine and Portugal (October 25, 2000);
– Convention of Double Taxation Avoidance Elimination and Prevention of Tax Fraud between Ukraine and Portugal (February 9, 2000);
– Cooperation Agreement between Ukraine and Portugal Угода on Education, Culture, Science & Technology, Youth, Sport and Mass Media (October 25, 2000);
– Agreement on Social Security between Ukraine and Portugal (September 07, 2009);
- Road Map on Bilateral Relation between Portugal – Ukraine on 2013 – 2015 (September 25, 2013).
8. Trade and Economic Cooperation
According to Ukrainian statistics data bilateral trade of goods and services in January-September 2014 has grown by 33,7% or 325,95 mil USD (243,73 mil USD in January-September 2013). The positive for Ukraine trade balance has also grown from 103,47 mil USD in January-September 2013 to 218,75 mil USD in 2014 or 42,5% and 66,9% of total trade volume respectively.
Bilateral trade of goods was 311,25 mil USD, including 266,41 mil USD - export and 44,41 mil USD – import (export has grown by 59,6% and import decreased by 13,0%). Positive for Ukraine balance reached 71,2% of the total good’s trade (in January-September 2013 – 65,6%).
As in the past balance of trade of services was negative for Ukraine (-3,52 mil USD). Simultaneously the volume of services’ trade decreased (export by 14,6% and import by 46,2%). In general Ukraine decreased negative gap from (-44,1%) of the total services trade volume in 2013 to (-29,3%) in 2014.
9. Investments:
Portugal investments in Ukraine according to Ukrainian statistics are 15, 6 mil USD.
There are no registered Ukrainian investments in Portugal.
10. Ukrainian community
Ukrainian community (41 091 officially registered persons or 10% of total foreigners – 400 thousands, according to official statistics data for 2013 published by National Immigration and Border Control Service of Portugal) is on the third place among foreign communities in Portugal (first place is occupied by people of Brazilian origin, second – citizens of Cape Verde).
The Republic of Serbia
1. Recognition of Ukraine: April 15, 1994.
2. The establishment of diplomatic relations: April 15, 1994.
3. Political relations:
The two countries hold an intensive political dialogue. There are regular contacts on different levels, aimed at realizing the bilateral treaties and enlarging the legal basis of cooperation between Ukraine and the Republic of Serbia.
Bilateral contacts at high level:
24 December, 2014 – working visit of the First vice-prime-minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia I.Dachich to Ukraine.
16-17 th July, 2015 - working visit of the First vice-prime-minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, OSCE Chairperson-in-office I.Dachich to Ukraine.
4. Trade and economic relations:
According to the data of the State Statistics Service of Ukraine bilateral trade in goods and services between Ukraine and the Republic of Serbia in 2014 totaled 264,3 million USD, a 38% drop as compared to the first half of 2013.
Export of goods and services to Serbia totaled 122,3 million USD while import of goods and services totaled 142 million USD. Negative trade balance for Ukraine totaled 19,7 million USD.
- export of goods totaled 111,7 million USD (a 6,9% drop);
- import of goods totaled 140,7 million USD (a 0,3% drop);
- negative trade balance for Ukraine totaled 29 million USD.
- export of services totaled 10,6 million USD (a 2% growth);
- import of services totaled 1,3 million USD (a 43,6% drop);
- positive trade balance for Ukraine totaled 9,3 million USD.
Dynamics of bilateral trade in goods and services between
Ukraine and the Republic of Serbia (million USD)
|
Indicators |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012
|
2013 |
2014 |
|
Trade turnover |
342 |
440 |
674 |
201 |
294 |
409 |
267 |
276 |
264 |
|
Еxport |
267 |
370 |
579 |
143 |
211 |
289 |
136 |
132 |
122 |
|
Іmport |
75 |
70 |
95 |
58 |
83 |
120 |
131 |
144 |
142 |
Main articles of export: iron ore, black metals and black metal products, mineral fuels, wood and wood products, fertilizers.
Main articles of import: cereals, plastics and polymer materials, electric machines, paper and cardboard.
Serbian investments are directed mainly to agriculture and industry.
5. Cultural and humanitarian cooperation between Ukraine and the Republic of Serbia (RS) is implemented on the basis of an intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in education, culture and sport (1997), Programme of Cooperation in the sphere of culture between the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Ukraine and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Serbia 2009-2011, the Memorandum between the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of Ukraine and the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Serbia on cooperation in youth policy, physical culture and sport (2012). There are also Agreement on Cooperation between the State Archival Service of Ukraine and Archive of Serbia and Montenegro (2004), the Agreement on Cooperation between the Vernadsky National Library of Ukraine and the National Library of Serbia (2005), the Agreement on scientific cooperation between the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts (2006), Working Protocol 2006-2010 between the National Union of Writers of Ukraine and the Union of Writers of Serbia (2006), the Agreement between Kyiv Regional State Administration and the Autonomous province of Vojvodina on trade-economic, scientific-technical and cultural cooperation (2006).
6. Scientific and educational cooperation:
Cooperation between Ukraine and the Republic of Serbia in the sphere of education, science and technology is based on direct agreements between universities of the two countries, including:
- between Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and University of Belgrade;
- between Ivan Franko National University of Lviv and University of Belgrade;
- between V.N.Karazin Kharkiv National University and University of Belgrade;
- between Donetsk National University and University of Belgrade;
- between Donbas state engineering Academy and Commercial Academy of Novy Sad;
- between Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University and the University of Nis;
- between the National Academy of Environmental and Resort Construction and the University of Belgrade;
- between Chernivtsi Trade and Economics Institute of Kyiv National Trade and Economics University and the University UNION of Belgrade;
- between Kharkiv National University of Radio Electronics and the University of Belgrade.
7. Legal basis:
Number of valid documents: 71.
Key documents: Agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the Federal Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia on trade and economic cooperation (27.11.1996),
Agreement on cooperation in education, culture and sports between the Government of Ukraine and the Federal Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (27.01.1997),
Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the Government of Ukraine to waive visa requirements for citizens (08.12.2011),
Agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of the Republic of Serbia on cooperation in defense (01.09.2012).
Important documents are under consideration: Free Trade Agreement, on cooperation in social security, cooperation in the field of intellectual property, on cooperation in fighting crime, a number of agreements in the transport sector.
8. Ukrainians in Serbia:
According to the data of 2002 about 16 thousands of citizens of Serbia say that they are Rusyns and about 5 thousands – Ukrainians.
The Ukrainian minority live mostly in Vojvodina. Novi Sad, Vrbas, Kula, Sremska Mitrovica and Indjija are administrative centres for Ukrainians and Novi Sad, Ruski Krstur, Kucura, Djurdjevo and Sid – Rusyns. A few Ukrainians and Rusyns live in Belgrade.
Ukrainians elected the National Council of Ukrainian National Community of Serbia on 17 May 2003. The Council included 18 members. Mikhail Kalyniuk was appointed the President of the Council.
The President of the Union of Rusyns – Ukrainians of Serbia B.Vislavskyi (appointed in 2008), the Honoured President of the Union S.Sakach and members of the organization lead activities to organizing cultural and educative events aimed at preserving Ukrainian conciseness of the minority. They organize summer schools for young people, exhibitions, lectures devoted to important events of Ukraine’s history and history of Rusyns and Ukrainians in Serbia.
The Society of the Ukrainian language, literature and culture “Prosvita” (the head is S.Mykytyshin) is popular civil society organization of the Ukrainian community.
Ukrainian programs on the Vojvodina Television are prepared by Ukrainian journalists just for the Rusyn reduction. Besides Novi Sad Ukrainian radio is also in Vrbas, Kula, Indjija, Sremska Mitrovica. 30-minutes TV program “Ukrainian Panorama” is transmitted on the TV-channel RTS-2 two times per month. There are also the Ukrainian newspaper “Ridne Slovo” (since 2005), the calendar “Ridne Slovo”, the magazine “Ukrajinske Slovo” and the magazine for children “Soloveiko”.
9. Diplomatic mission of Ukraine:
Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Serbia - http://serbia.mfa.gov.ua
Slovak Republic
1. Recognition of Ukraine by Slovakia: January 1, 1993.
2. Establishment of diplomatic relations: 30 January 1993.
3. Political relations
Relations between Ukraine and Slovakia are historically neighborly, friendly and have high level of interaction. Slovakia supports the free choice of Ukraineʼs development, its independence and territorial integrity. The logic and content of bilateral Ukrainian-Slovak relations aimed at supporting the gradual entry of our country into Europe. In the absence of problematic political issues to the forefront came solving of practical aspects and issues related to the use of Slovak integration experience gained to accelerate the practical realization of Ukraine's European integration. There is dynamic political dialogue between the states, including the highest level.
Political dialogue
15-16.11.2014 - The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine P.Klimkin paid a working visit to the Slovak Republic. This visit witnessed the confirmation of support by the Slovak side of Ukraineʼs European aspirations.
06.02.2015 – The Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic R.Fitso paid a working visit to Ukraine. The visit contributed to the practical cooperation between Kyiv and Bratislava in the field of European integration, strengthened cooperation in trade, economic and energy sectors, promoting dialogue on interregional and border cooperation.
20-21.05.2015 - The President of the Slovak Republic A.Kiska paid an official visit to Ukraine. The visit reiterated Slovakia`s solidarity with Ukraine in defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity, readiness to assist our state, showed consistent support for Ukraine towards European integration, a willingness to provide support in the areas that are most priority, readiness to continue involving Ukraine to co-operate in the framework of the Visegrad Group in the context of reform. The sides confirmed mutual interest in increasing economic and investment cooperation.
10.09.2015 - The Prime Minister of Ukraine A.Yatsenyuk paid a working visit to the Slovak Republic. During the visit, the fundamental political decision to increase the reverse supply of gas to Europe through the territory of Ukraine using existing Vojany-Uzhgorod gas pipeline was made by both sides.
Interparliamentary cooperation
Inter-parliamentary group of friendship with Ukraine of the National Council of the Slovak Republic (chairman M.Kraykovych, 44 deputies), founded in 2005, was actively with its activities as well as the deputy group of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine of inter-parliamentary relations with the Slovak Republic (co-chairman D.Andriyevskyi, 31 deputies) founded in 02.26.2015.
4. Trade and economic cooperation:
The volume of mutual trade in 2014 amounted to 1097.4 million USD, including exports from Ukraine to the SR – 670, 6 million USD (decrease 10.3%); imports (from the SR to Ukraine) - 426.8 million USD (decrease - 34.6%). The positive balance for Ukraine is 243.8 million USD.
The volume of bilateral trade between Ukraine and the Slovak Republic in 2014 amounted to 86,5 million USD. In particular, exports of services from Ukraine to the SR amounted 40,9 million USD, reduction was 18.4%; imports of services (from the SR to Ukraine) - 45.6 million USD; increase was 148.1%. The negative balance for Ukraine is 4.7 million USD.
The Slovak-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce started working since the beginning of 2015: http://suok.info/
5. Cultural and humanitarian cooperation: The cultural exchange as part of the festivals of folk art became traditional. On October 25, 2013 in the city of Prešov the Center of Ukrainian culture was opened. The Center has become a solid foundation for scientific, educational, artistic and other activities of the Ukrainian minority in Slovakia.
6. Scientific and educational cooperation.
Cooperation in science and technology develops in accordance with the signed bilateral documents. Practical cooperation in this area is carried out by the Joint Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation. The task of this committee is to identify priority areas of cooperation.
12.17.2013 The Ukrainian and Slovak sides agreed six joint projects in science and technology for their implementation by both sides during the years 2014-2015.
As for today more than 30 agreements between universities of Ukraine and Slovakia were signed. The main areas of cooperation are studentʼs exchange on full and part-time training course, trainees and graduate students exchanges, teachers and researchers in teaching and research exchange. In both countries, to meet the needs of minority schools with the study of Ukrainian and Slovak languages, respectively, were established.
7. The legal framework
Number of valid records - 95.
Number of valid records in the consular sphere - 4.
8. The Ukrainian community
Total population: about 7.5 thousand of citizens, or 0.1% of all Slovakian population (according to the last census in 2011).
The most numerous and representative organization of foreign Ukrainians in Slovakia is the Union of Rusins - Ukrainians of SR (SRUSR), Chairman - Peter Sokol;
Scout Union of Ukrainian - Rusin young people in Slovakia "Plast", headed by Levko Dovhovych; Coordinating Committee of reoptants in the Slovak Republic, Chairman - Maria Dolinska;
Slovak-Ukrainian Society, Chairman - Anton Novak;
Slovak-Ukrainian initiative, Head Lyudmila Verbytska.
9. Diplomatic and consular posts:
Embassy of Ukraine in Slovakia; Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Ukraine: http://slovakia.mfa.gov.ua/ua
The Republic of Slovenia
1. Recognition of Ukraine: 11 December, 1991
2. The establishment of diplomatic relations: 10 March, 1992
3. High level dialogue:
June 4, 2008 - Working visit of President of Ukraine Victor Yushchenko to Ljubljana.
October 11-12, 2011 - Official visit of President of Slovenia D.Tyurk to Ukraine.
June 7, 2014 - visit of President of the Republic of Slovenia B.Pahor to Ukraine for the inauguration of President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko.
September 23, 2014 - President of the Republic of Slovenia B.Pahor had a meeting with Foreign Minister Klimkin within the UN session.
February 7, 2015 - President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko had a meeting with President of Slovenia B.Pahor during the 51th Munich Security Conference.
June 11, 2010 - Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Volodymyr Lytvyn had a meeting with Chairman of the National Assembly of Slovenia P.Hantar within the European Conference (Cyprus).
June 27-28, 2007 - official visit of Prime Minister of Slovenia Y.Yanshi to Ukraine.
September 22, 2013 - Working visit of Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine Vilkul to Slovenia.
Dialogue between the Foreign Ministries:
Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and the RS have exchanged the number of visits. In October 2009 – Minister Samuel Žbogar participated in Kyiv Forum for the Future of Democracy under the auspices of the Council of Europe.
July 17, 2012 - Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine K.Gryshchenko had a meeting with Minister for Foreign Affairs of Slovenia during the Croatian Summit (Croatia).
September 10, 2013 - Official visit of Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Kozhara to Slovenia.
July 14, 2015 – Working visit of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia Karl Erjavec to Ukraine.
4. Intergovernmental cooperation: Relations between Parliaments of Ukraine and Slovenia develop mostly in multilateral forums. Parliamentary Friendship Group operates in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine 4-6 convocations. At the end of 2014 in Slovenian parliament was established friendship group with Ukraine.
5. Bilateral bodies: There were seven sittings of the Joint Ukrainian-Slovenian Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation (established 12.05.1997). The last one took place in Ljubljana in October 2013.
6. The legal basis of bilateral relations: As of December 2014, the legal framework of bilateral cooperation consists of 23 documents.
7. Trade and economic cooperation: According to the data provided by the State Statistics Service of Ukraine in 2014 the total volume of bilateral trade in goods and services between Ukraine and the Republic of Slovenia has decreased by 25,9% and amounted to 253,1 mln USD. Import of goods and services has decreased by 29,0% and amounted to 208.6 mln USD., export of goods and services also has decreased by 6,7%, amounted to to 44,5 mln USD. The balance of foreign trade in goods and services by the results of 2014 has decreased by 33,4% and amounted to 164,1 mln USD.
During 6 months of 2015 export of Ukrainian goods to Slovenia amounted to 7,97 mln USD, import amounted to 52.68 mln USD. The balance of trade during this period was negative for Ukraine - 44.7 mln USD.
During the first half of 2015 the total volume of trade in services was 12.8 mln USD: import amounted to 3.2 mln USD and export of services - 9.6 mln USD.
The balance of trade in services during this period was positive for Ukraine + 6.4 mln USD.
8. Investment cooperation: As of 01.04.2015 the volume of foreign direct investments from the Republic of Slovenia to Ukraine's economy amounted to 20 mln USD.
9. Cultural cooperation: The legal basis of the Ukrainian-Slovenian cultural and humanitarian cooperation: Protocol on cooperation between and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia (28 January 1994) and the Agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of the Republic of Slovenia on cooperation in culture, science and education (12 May 1997).
As well as the cooperation in the field of research and education is through direct contact, within individual programs of higher education.
University of Ljubljana cooperates with Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ivan Franko National University of Lviv and Chernivtsi National University.
The Agreement on cooperation between the V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University and University of Maribor was signed in April 2012.
10. Ukrainian community: Ukrainian diaspora in Slovenia has about 1,000 people. Ukrainians living in Slovenia work as scientists, doctors, athletes. Their social status - average or above average. There are three Ukrainian organizations in Slovenia: "Karpaty", "Bereginja" and "Rokavička".
Kingdom of Spain
1. Recognition of Ukraine: December 31, 1991.
2. Establishment of Diplomatic Relations: January 30, 1992.
3. Political Relations:
Relations between Ukraine and the Kingdom of Spain are characterized by its diversity and versatility. Spain is a reliable partner of Ukraine in the European Union and contributes to our country's approximation to the EU.
An active political dialogue is being maintained between the parties. Among the latest contacts of Senior Officials we could highlight the meetings between the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko and the Head of the Spanish Government Mariano Rajoy during the NATO Summit (05.09.2014) and the Unity March in Paris (01/11/2015). A high level of cooperation is maintained between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs. Thus, on February 10, 2015 the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Spain, José María García Margallo, came to Ukraine with the official visit.
There is no officially formed parliamentary working group cooperation with Ukraine in the Cortes Generales of Spain, although an informal group of friends of Ukraine is acting. The Group's activities are aimed at the promotion of bilateral relations and the European integration of Ukraine. In the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine the Parliamentary Group on Interparliamentary Relations with Spain is formed with 23 deputies (Head - I.A. Didenko).
4. Trade, Commercial and Economic Relations:
According to the State Statistics Service of Ukraine, in 2014 the total volume of trade between our country and Spain decreased in relation to 2013, to 68.7 million USD and represented 1 773,9 million USD, having decreased 3.7%. Compared to the 2013, the Ukrainian exports grew by 188.7 million USD, or 19.3% (to 1 166.6 million USD), the import decreased by 252.9 million USD or 29.4% (to 607.3 million USD). Trade balance remains positive for Ukraine and represents 559.3 million USD. It should be emphasized that according to the State Statistics Service, in 2014 the Ukrainian export to the EU increased only 2.6%.
The total volume of trade in services between the two countries in 2014 achieved 62.9 million USD, i.e. decreased by 8.0 mln. USD (12.7%) in relation to 2013. The export of services in Ukraine has decreased by 6.3% (to 36.8 million USD), the import decreased by 20.9% (under 26.1 mln. USD). Positive balance for our country amounted to 10.7 mln. USD. Major Ukrainian merchandise export to Spain in 2014 remained practically unchanged from the previous year: crops, corn in particular, sorghum and wheat (in total 53.2% of the total volume), fats and oil of animal or vegetable origin (16, 1%), residues and waste from the food industry (5.9%), ferrous metals (5.2%) and salt, sulfur, earth and stones (3.3%).
In the total export from Ukraine to Spain, there are minor variations in the fate of grains (in 2013 - 55.3%, 2014 - 53.2% or 620.7 million USD); to the third position instead of soybeans moved residues and waste from the food industry (volume of shipments achieved 68.9 million USD). The main items of trade import Ukraine were edible fruits and nuts (13.2% of the total, or 80.5 million USD), passenger cars (9.4%), pharmaceutical products (8.4%), boilers and machinery (5.8%), various chemical products (4.2%). In the overall structure of Ukrainian import from Spain has fallen sharply (by 63.8%) number of passenger cars and various chemical products (by 49.2%).
According to the Agreement on Economic and Industrial Cooperation between Ukraine and Spain signed on 7 October 1996 (entered into force on 12 April 2000), both parties established mixed Ukrainian-Spanish Intergovernmental Commission for Economic and Industrial Cooperation. There were hold two meetings of the Commission in July 2008 in Madrid in April 2011 in Kiev. The third meeting of the Commission scheduled in Madrid in 2014, has been postponed to 2015.
5. Cultural and Humanitarian Cooperation:
Ukraine and Spain have close cooperation in the field of culture. The touring of Ukrainian music and theater companies contributes to the development and the promotion of cultural and humanitarian relations between Ukraine and Spain. Spanish spectators appreciate the success of the National Honored Dance Ensemble of Ukraine “Pavlo Virsky”, Lviv National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater, Odessa and Dnipropetrovsk National and Academic Opera and Ballet Theaters, as well as Ukrainian Regional Symphony orchestras.
Cultural and Art events promote a deeper acquaintance of the history and culture of Ukraine by the Spanish public.
6. Cooperation in the field of Science and Education:
Bilateral cooperation between Ukraine and Spain in the field of education and science is carried out on the basis of the Intergovernmental Agreement on Cooperation in Education, Science and Culture, signed on 07/10/1996.
One of the main directions of interaction in the field of education, is the cooperation between higher education institutions. Only last time with the assistance of the Embassy were concluded the following documents:
- Agreement on Cooperation between the Carpathian National University “Vasyl Stefanyk” (Ivano-Frankivsk) and the University of Valencia;
- Agreement on Cooperation between the National University “Taras Shevchenko” and the Spanish Agency of International Cooperation for Development at the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
- Agreement on Cooperation between the National University “Taras Shevchenko” and the University of Valencia.
For the first time in a decade, in the Spanish higher education institution (University of Valencia) was introduced an elective course of the Ukranian language.
7. The Legal Basis:
The legal basis between Ukraine and Spain is composed from 29 international treaties. The main document is the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Ukraine and Spain, signed on August 17, 1997.
8. Ukrainian Community:
According to the Spanish Migration Service, there are more than 80 thousand Ukrainians in Spain. Overall in Spain are open 13 Ukrainian Saturday schools. The main centers of Ukrainians in the country are Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga and Murcia.
Swiss Confederation
1. Recognition of Ukraine: 23 December 1991.
2. Establishment of diplomatic relations: 6 February 1992.
3. Political relations feature no problems; a regular dialogue is carried on at various levels. Switzerland does not recognize the illegally annexation of Crimea by Russia and is supporting efforts to de-escalate the situation in the Eastern Ukraine, especially in the framework of the OSCE.
Last bilateral high-level contacts:
14-15 May, 2009 - official visit of the President of Ukraine to Switzerland;
14 April, 2014 - visit of the President of Switzerland, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office D.Burkhalter to Ukraine;
7 June, 2014 - President of Switzerland, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office D.Burkhalter in Kyiv at the inauguration of the President of Ukraine P.Poroshenko.
Last visits of the ministers of foreign affairs: 2005 (to Ukraine) and 2009 (to Switzerland).
Inter-parliamentary cooperation:
November 2009 and July 2013 - official visits of the Presidents of the Swiss Council of States (Senate) to Ukraine;
June 2011 – official visit of Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine V.Lytvyn to Switzerland;
Groups of friendship exist in both Swiss and Ukrainian parliaments.
4. Trade and economic cooperation.
In 2014 (in comparison with 2013) total trade turnover of goods and services between Ukraine and Switzerland decreased by 25.67% and amounted to 1,879 billion USD. The exports shrank by 14.3% to 1,007 billion USD and the import by 36% to 872 million USD. Despite the negative general trends in 2014 the balance of bilateral trade in goods and services turned positive for Ukraine and amounted to 135 million USD.
In the structure of exports from Ukraine to Switzerland in 2014 prevailed precious or semiprecious stones (gemstones), aircrafts, cereals, oil and products, paper, cardboard and goods, wood. In the structure of imports from Switzerland prevailed natural or cultured pearls, pharmaceutical products, nuclear reactors, boilers or machinery, electric cars, food products, tanning extracts.
During January-June 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 total trade in goods and services fell by 18% to 790.594 million USD. The balance was positive for Ukraine in the amount of 117.33 million USD.
As of the 01.07.2015 Switzerland invested in the economy of Ukraine 1,371 billion USD that represents 3.2% of total foreign investments (9-th place among the investor countries).
As of 31.12.2014 the total volume of investments from Ukraine to Switzerland decreased by 11% and amounted to 7.3 million USD.
High-level bilateral bodies: Ukrainian-Swiss Committee for trade and economic cooperation (last meeting held in April 2012 in Kyiv).
Since June 1, 2012 the free trade agreement between Ukraine and EFTA (Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein) is in force.
In April 2015 the new Swiss cooperation strategy for Ukraine for 2015-2018 was launched with the budget of approximately 100 million Swiss francs destined for technical and humanitarian projects in Ukraine.
5. Cultural and humanitarian cooperation.
Switzerland regularly hosts cultural and artistic events with the participation of Ukrainian cultural figures, particularly concert tours of famous art groups, art and photo exhibitions of Ukrainian artists, performances of Ukrainian musicians at prestigious international contests etc. Representatives of national cinematography participate in various Swiss film festivals. Ukrainian writers regularly perform their readings for local public and artists perform exhibitions of their paintings.
6. Scientific and educational cooperation.
Ukrainian-Swiss cooperation in science and education spheres develops in the framework of bilateral and multilateral projects and on the level of direct contacts between scientific and educational institutions.
The most large-scale program, in which Ukrainian educational and research institutions are involved, is the Swiss National Fund program «SCOPES». Ukrainian-Swiss educational project "Development of civic competences in Ukraine" is launched lately.
7. Treaty legal basis.
30 bilateral legal documents are current in force, in particular agreements on promotion and reciprocal protection of investments (1995), trade and economic cooperation (1995), technical and financial cooperation (1997), avoidance of double taxation with respect to taxes on income and capital (2000), abolition of visa requirement for holders of diplomatic and service passports (2003), readmission (2003), free trade between EFTA-states and Ukraine (2010).
8. Ukrainian community in Switzerland.
According to official statistics, there are more than 6 thousand of Ukrainian citizens in Switzerland. There is one registered Ukrainian NGO – “The Ukrainian society in Switzerland”. 2014-2015 several regional Ukrainian associations launched their activities: Basel chapter of Ukrainian society in Switzerland, Swiss international association "Free Ukraine", Cultural organization "Romandie - Ukraine", chapter "Ukrainians in Bern". There are also some other Ukrainian informal community centers in several cities of Switzerland. Ukrainian diaspora actively provides humanitarian aid for Ukraine.
9. Ukrainian diplomatic mission.
Embassy of Ukraine in the Swiss Confederation
Feldeggweg 5, 3005 Bern
www.mfa.gov.ua/switzerland
The Republic of Turkey
1. Recognition of Ukraine: December 16, 1991.
2. Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Ukraine and Turkey: February 3, 1992.
3. Political relations:
Existing bilateral high-level mechanism:
The Joint Declaration on Establishment of the High-level Strategic Council between Ukraine and Turkey was signed on January 25, 2011. The Declaration provides for establishment of the strategic partnership between the two countries.
The Council is co-chaired by the presidents of both countries (the first meeting was held on December 22, 2011 in Ankara, the second – on September 13, 2012 in Kyiv, the third – on October 9, 2013 in Ankara, the fourth – on March 20, 2015 in Kyiv).
Strategic Planning Group is co-chaired by the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and Turkey is a preparatory element for the meetings of the Ukrainian-Turkish High-level Strategic Council.
Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation (9th meeting of the Commission was held in Ankara on 24-25 June, 2013, co-chaired by Deputy Prime Ministers of Ukraine and Turkey).
High-level Dialogue:
October 9, 2013 – the official visit of the President of Ukraine to the Republic of Turkey, 3rd meeting of the High-level Strategic Council;
March 20, 2015 - 4th meeting of the High-level Strategic Council under the chairmanship of President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko and President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the framework of his official visit to Ukraine.
Dialogue at the Level of Ministries of Foreign Affairs:
June 27-29, 2013 – the official visit of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine to Turkey, 2nd meeting of the Strategic Planning Group;
March 1-2, 2014 - working visit of Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey Ahmet Davutoğlu to Ukraine;
November 10, 2014 – working visit of Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu to Ukraine, the 3rd meeting of the Strategic Planning Group;
Interpalimentary cooperation:
April 4-5, 2013 – the official visit of Head of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey Cemil Çiçek to Ukraine.
4.Trade and economic cooperation:
Turkey is an important trade and economic partner of Ukraine. Turkey ranks second among export destinations of Ukraine.
In 2014 bilateral trade in goods amounted to $ 4,859 billion (- 14,6% compared to 2013). The positive balance for Ukraine $ 2,263 billion. Ukraine’s export to Turkey amounted to $ 3,561 billion (- 5,1%). Turkey’s import to Ukraine amounted to $ 1,298 billion (-26%).
The bilateral trade in services in 2014 between Ukraine and Turkey amounted to $ 281,8 million. (-32,3%). Export amounted to $ 139,2 million. (- 26,2%), import - $ 142,6 million (- 33%).
Investment:
According to the official statistics, the volume of Turkish investments to Ukraine as of December 31, 2014 amounted to $ 198,7 million. About 500 Turkish companies work in Ukraine.
5. The legal base:
Number of signed agreements: 105.
Main political documents: Agreement on Friendship and Cooperation between Ukraine and the Republic of Turkey (04.05.1992), Joint Declaration on Establishment of the High-level Strategic Council between Ukraine and the Republic of Turkey (25.01. 2011).
6. Ukrainian community:
Approximately round 20 thousands of the Ukrainian citizens live in Turkey.
7. Diplomatic missions of Ukraine in Turkey:
1. Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Turkey - http://turkey.mfa.gov.ua/
2. Consulate General of Ukraine in Istanbul - http://istanbul.mfa.gov.ua/
United Kingdom
Recognition of Ukraine: 31 December 1991.
Establishment of diplomatic relations: 10 January 1992.
Political dialogue
Chronology of bilateral Ukrainian-British political visits:
28 January 2011 – MeetingsofPresidentofUkrainewithPrimeMinisteroftheUnitedKingdomD.CameronandHRH Prince Andrew, Duke of York duringtheWorldEconomicForumin Davos.
27 July 2012 – MeetingsofPrimeMinisterofUkrainewithQueenElizabethIIandthe Queen's cousin, HRH Prince Michael of Kent during working visit to London to participate in the opening ceremony of the XXX Summer Olympic Games.
2 July 2013 – Meeting of President of Ukraine with HRH Prince Michael of Kent within the frames of the joint Ukrainian-British military and historical project of British Air Squadron flight to Ukraine to test wartime planes.
4 July 2013 – Meeting of Prime Minister of Ukraine with HRH Prince Michael of Kent within the frames of the joint Ukrainian-British military and historical project of British Air Squadron flight to Ukraine to test wartime planes.
3 March 2014 – Meeting of Prime Minister Arseniy Yatseniuk with William Hague, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairsduring his visit to Ukraine.
6 March2014 – Meeting of Prime Ministers Arseniy Yatseniuk and David Cameron during the EU Summit in Brussels.
6 June 2014 – MeetingofPresidentPoroshenkoandDavidCameron, PrimeMinisteroftheUKwithin the frames of celebrating 70th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy.
18 July 2014 – Telephone conversation of President Poroshenko with David Cameron, Prime Minister of the UK.
15 August 2014 – Telephone conversation of President Poroshenko with David Cameron, Prime Minister of the UK.
30 August 2014 – Meeting of President Poroshenko and David Cameron, Prime Minister of the UK within the frames of the EU Council meeting.
4-5 September 2014 – President Poroshenko took part in NATO Summit in Newport.
25 September 2014 – Meeting of Prime Ministers Arseniy Yatseniuk and David Cameron within the frames of 69th UN GA Session.
6 October 2014 –Meeting of Prime Ministers Arseniy Yatseniuk with Sir Kim Darroch, Prime Minister's National Security Adviser.
7 October2014 – Meeting of President Poroshenko with Sir Kim Darroch, Prime Minister's National Security Adviser.
27 January 2015 – Protocol meeting of President Petro Poroshenko with Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond within the frames of commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau.
8 February 2015 – Meeting of President Petro Poroshenko with Prime Minister David Cameron within the frames of 51th Munich Security Conference.
12 February 2015 – Meeting of President Poroshenko and David Cameron, Prime Minister of the UK within the frames of the EU Council meeting.
15 February 2015 – Telephone conversation of President Poroshenko with David Cameron, Prime Minister of the UK.
5 March 2015 – Meeting of President Poroshenko with Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond during his working visit to Ukraine.
19 May 2015 – Telephone conversation of President Poroshenko with David Cameron, Prime Minister of the UK.
22 May 2015 – Meeting of President Poroshenko and David Cameron, Prime Minister of the UK within the frames of the Eastern Partnership summit in Riga.
15 July 2015 – Meeting of Prime Ministers Arseniy Yatseniuk and David Cameronduring working visit to London.
Recent MFA contacts:
2-3 April 2012 –Meeting of Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine with William Hague, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs during working visit to London.
13 May 2013 – Meeting of Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine with William Hague, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs during working visit to London.
17 September 2013 – Meeting of Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine with David Lidington, Minister of State for Europe at the Foreign Office during his visit to Ukraine.
1 April 2014 – Meeting of Acting Foreign Minister Deschytsia and William Hague, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs within the frames of NATO-Ukraine Commission meeting in Brussels.
3 Marchand 7 May 2014 – Meetings of Acting Foreign Minister Deschytsia and William Hague, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs during his visits to Ukraine.
23 June 2014 – Meeting of Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin and William Hague, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs within the frames of the EU Foreign Ministers meeting in Brussels.
3 July 2014 – Telephone conversation of Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin with William Hague, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs.
10 July 2014 – Meeting of Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin and Minister of State for Europe David Lidington.
17 July 2014 – Telephone conversation of Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin with Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond.
9-10 December 2014 - Meeting of Deputy Foreign Minister Olena Zerkal with Minister of State for Europe David Lidington within the frames of 9th Ukrainian Investment Summit.
14 February 2015 – Telephone conversation of Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin with Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond.
5 March2015 – Meetingof First DeputyForeignMinisterNataliia GalibarenkowithMinister of State for Europe David Lidington.
5 March 2015 – Meeting of Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin with Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond.
13 May 2015 – Meeting of Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin with Foreign Secretary Philip Hammondwithin the frames of NATO-Ukraine Commission meeting in Brussels.
20 July 2015 – Telephone conversation of Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin with Sir Kim Darroch, Prime Minister's National Security Adviser.
Interparliamentary cooperation
All-Party Parliamentary Group on Ukraine was established at the Parliament of the United Kingdom in January 1992. The main aim of the Group is to assist the development of bilateral relations of our countries. John Whittingdale, the Member of British Parliament, was Head of the Group from 2010 to 2015. After the Parliamentary elections in 2015, Sir Gerald Howarth, an MP from the Conservative Party, was selected to the post of Head of the Group. The representatives of Conservative, Labour and Labour Cooperative parties are the members of APG.
The delegation of MPs from the European parliament and the Parliament of the United Kingdom, headed by the Head of AGP on Ukraine John Whittingdale, paid a visit to Kyiv on 22 September 2015.
The delegation of British MPs, members of the APG, headed by John Whittingdale paid a visit to Kyiv on 18-22 February 2015.
The delegation of the representatives of Ukrainian People’s Deputies Group for Inter-Parliamentary Relations with the UK paid a visit to London on 7-10 September 2015.
Trade economic cooperation
According to the State Statistics Service of Ukraine, the total volume of trade in goods and services between Ukraine and UK in the H1 2015 amounted to USD 1.0947 million.
Trade in goods
The volume of trade in goods totaled USD 518.19 million. Herewith the Ukrainian exports to UK amounted to USD 183.51 million (decreased by 49.4% compared to the same period in 2014). In turn, the index of UK imports to Ukraine amounted to USD 334.68 million (decreased by 1.2% compared to the same period in 2014).
The bilateral trade balance for Ukraine was negative and amounted to USD 151.17 million.
Trade in services
The volume of trade in services between Ukraine and Great Britain amounted to USD 576.51 million. Herewith the Ukrainian exports to the UK amounted to USD 273.24 million. (decreased by 20.1% compared to the same period in 2014). In turn, the index of UK imports to Ukraine amounted to USD 302.73 million. (decreased by 18.5% compared to the same period in 2014).
The bilateral trade balance for Ukraine was negative and amounted to USD 29.47 million.
Investment cooperation
As of June 1, 2015 the United Kingdom invested in the economy of Ukraine USD 2,354 bln. and occupied an 6-th position in the general list of foreign state-investors in Ukraine.
Ukraine culture in the UK
Promotion of the Ukrainian culture to the UK audience is extremely important for the country in these turbulent times.
Ukrainian musicians and artists visit the UK frequently. For several years in a row Ukrainian dancers take part at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod (Wales). Creative troop of Ukrainians - the Molodyi Teatr London - participated at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with the “Bloody Eastern Europeans” play in August 2015.
Ukrainian artists exhibit their works in galleries across Great Britain - at the Chelsea Art Fair in London, at the Mall Galleries as part of the Passion for Freedom exhibition. The exhibitions of the Ukrainian artists are held in the Ice Gallery in Holland Park.
Bilateral agreements
There are 43 treaties concluded between Ukraine and United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, including 10 bilateral agreements, concluded by USSR and the UK, to which the succession of Ukraine was formalized in July 1999. The most important are: Treaty on the Principles of Relations and Cooperation, Convention for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with the respect to Taxes on Income and Capital Gains and Inter-governmental agreement for the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments.
Ukrainian community
There is no official statistics regarding the quantity and social ethnic composition of Ukrainian community in Great Britain. According to the data provided by the organisations of Ukrainian diaspora the number of Ukrainians living in the UK reaches 30 thousand. These are mainly representatives of the first and second generations of the post-Second World War immigration. Over the past few years, young Ukrainians moved to London to work here.
There is no official statistics of the Ukrainian citizens who leave in the United Kingdom.
Citizens of Ukraine, having received permit to work in Great Britain, enjoy the same rights for the protection of their interests as the citizens of Great Britain do.
There are up to 70 centers where Ukrainians dwell in the United Kingdom. London, Manchester, Bradford and Nottingham are the most numerous centers for Ukrainian community.
Diplomatic representation in the UK
Embassy of Ukraine (http://uk.mfa.gov.ua/ua)
Consulate of Ukraine in Edinburgh(http://edinburgh.mfa.gov.ua)