President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky now says his
country has more to offer Africa than just grain.
Speaking during the Third International Summit on Food Security Grain from Ukraine in Kyiv, Zelensky said that he remains keen on strengthening relations with countries in the African continent.
He noted that this year alone, Ukraine decided to open at least 10 new embassies in the continent, seven of which are now operational.
“We will be opening three more embassies. We have a strong presence and we can guarantee food security to Africa,” he said.
He went on to say that Ukraine is also interested in economic ties with countries in Africa.
Zelensky noted that through this, Ukraine is also engaging willing countries in the continent to set up grain hubs.
He said this will be in terms of military experience, knowledge sharing, developing processing capabilities, cutting-edge technologies, and exchange expertise to enhance agricultural production, create jobs, drive economic growth, and strengthen trade relations worldwide.
“We don't want to just stock up on food. We want to share technologies, processing methods, our skills in land cultivation, and we want to exchange experiences with your countries,” the Ukraine President said as he responded to questions asked by journalists from Africa and Brazil.
“We want to do investments, tap into mineral extraction; we are skilled in cyber security and now have experience in protecting people from any digital attacks and we have digital expertise which has helped Ukraine digitize all government services.”
He reiterated that Ukraine remains committed to ensuring food security, despite the Russian attacks and blockades in the Black Sea routes.
Zelensky said his country values its partnerships with nations across the globe and remains committed to serving as a reliable contributor to global food security.
The Ukrainian President added that he needs to meet leaders from Africa and discuss the many issues we have.
“We need to have contact with African leaders and ministers and have dialogue on various issues. I have been emphasizing this in my interactions with African leaders,” Zelensky said.
Speaking on his most recent meeting with President William Ruto at the Ukraine Peace Summit held in Switzerland, Zelensky noted that Kenya is an important player in Ukraine’s efforts to ensure food security and there are ongoing deliberations whose outcomes will be known soon.
He, however, did not make public what the talks were about.
“Our teams are working together and our bilateral teams will soon announce the result.”
During the meeting the discussed among others the peace formula, and the construction of a grain hub in Kenya, among other issues.
