Ukrainian President hails trade and economic ties with Qatar

(MENAFN - The Peninsula) President of Ukraine H E Volodymyr Zelensky has hailed the trade and economic cooperation between Qatar and his country terming it as the basis of the bilateral relations. In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the occasion of his official visit to Qatar, H E President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that despite the difficult circumstances due to the coronavirus pandemic, the bilateral trade reached a high rate of almost $150m. This is twice as much as, for example, in 2018. 'This year the dynamics of trade between our countries even have been increased. However, I am convinced that the potential of our trade and economic cooperation is much higher. And we are witnessing intensification of our relations in various fields, the President stressed. The President noted the concession for the Ukrainian port of Olvia that was won by the Qatari company ‘QTerminals', adding that it is really great that such significant business players are entering the Ukrainian market. 'I want to assure once again that my priority is to improve systematically the investment climate and create the most favorable conditions for foreign investors in Ukraine, he added. In this context, the Ukrainian President noted that he signed in February the 'Investment nanny law, which provides for state support for strategic investors with investments exceeding EUR 20 million. The Ukrainian President highlighted the mega-project 'Big Construction, that involves construction of roads and other infrastructure facilities, affirming that it is promising for investors. He noted that Ukraine is known for its rich black soil 'chornozem around the world, adding that his country is launching a historic land reform that establishes transparent rules in the agricultural sector. 'Two thirds of our territory are fertile soil. And this is more than 42 million hectares of agricultural land. Therefore, we have many areas for investment in the agricultural sector. On the extent of progress of joint economic and investment projects between the two countries, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky emphasised that Ukraine is open for attracting foreign investments, including those from the Qatar's sovereign and investment funds, in such areas as high technology, infrastructure, finance, energy and agriculture. The Ukrainian President also noted new horizons for political, economic and commercial cooperation between Qatar and Ukraine, noting that Ukraine is a powerful supplier of metallurgical industry products, and a reliable supplier of agricultural and food products. The President underlined that Ukraine is interested in further expanding air communication with Qatar, noting that this step will create appropriate conditions for people to people contacts and development of cooperation in the field of tourism. The President looked forward to holding the second meeting of the Joint UkrainianQatari intergovernmental commission on economic, trade and technical cooperation. President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Qatar and Ukraine maintain close cooperation in the framework of international organizations, in particular in the context of discussion of the most pressing international issues. The President of Ukraine expressed pleasure with the results of the 41st GCC summit, including the GCC reconciliation, stressing that preserving of the unity and solidarity between the GCC member-states remains a guarantee of further strengthening of peace, security and stability in the Middle East region. The President also praised the active mediation efforts of the State of Qatar in resolving international conflicts, particularly in the context of promoting peace in Afghanistan. Talking about Qatar hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup for the first time in the Middle East, and how Ukraine can contribute to this global event, the President underlined that the professional management and traditional hospitality of Qatar will become a key to guarantee the real fast for the football fans. 'Ukraine has a significant experience of holding mass events and sports competitions. In 2012 we co-hosted the final tournament of the European Football Championship, in 2019 the final match of the UEFA Champions League took place in Kyiv. Therefore, we will be glad to share our experience with Qatari partners, in both technical and security issues, the President added. Speaking on the efforts of the two countries in the field of confronting the coronavirus pandemic and the international cooperation in this regard, the Ukrainian President said that the coronavirus pandemic has become a common reality and a global challenge. 'Qatar has already shown solidarity with its partners. I am grateful for provision of the humanitarian medical aid to Ukraine for combating the spread of COVID-19 in 2020. I consider this step as a manifestation of true friendship, he said. 'We are also grateful to our Qatari partners for assistance in evacuation of Ukrainian citizens from all over the world during the most difficult pandemic periods in 2020 by means of the Qatar Airways aircraft.MENAFN05042021000063011010ID1101862219