Rédaction Africa Links 24 with JULIUS OTIENO
Published on 2024-02-01 09:10:37
A delegation from Ukraine comprising of civil, academic, cultural, and political representatives is set to visit Nairobi next week, marking the beginning of a new era of cooperation between Ukraine and Kenya. The delegation, to be led by Lesia Vasylenko, a member of the Ukrainian Parliament, aims to strengthen relations between the two nations and explore potential opportunities for collaboration.
Vasylenko emphasized the shared values of democracy and self-determination that both Ukraine and Kenya uphold, highlighting the common ground that makes the two countries natural partners. The visit to Kenya is seen as a significant step in opening up new opportunities for cooperation and mutual growth.
The delegation’s visit, scheduled for February 5 to 10, 2024, is expected to focus on building links between the Ukrainian and Kenyan parliaments. Vasylenko intends to hold discussions with senior Kenyan parliamentarians, including National Assembly speaker Moses Wetangula, to explore avenues for closer collaboration between the two legislative bodies.
A key area of interest for potential cooperation between the two nations is agricultural technology. Ukraine, known as the “world’s breadbasket” for its substantial grain production, has developed innovative drone technology that could assist Kenyan farmers in boosting agricultural productivity and addressing food shortages. Oleksandr Khomiak, an expert in drone technology, will engage with Kenyan agri-tech specialists to explore potential partnerships in this field.
Another focus of the visit is to strengthen cultural relations between Ukraine and Kenya. The delegates aim to showcase Ukrainian art, music, and literature in Kenya, and establish collaborations with cultural institutions in the country. Anastasiia Kapranova, the Programme Manager for Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa at the Ukrainian Institute, expressed the importance of using art and culture to foster a deeper understanding of each other’s experiences and bring the two nations closer together.
Additionally, there will be discussions on potential joint research projects between Ukrainian and Kenyan academic institutions. Oleh Bielokolos, the former Chargé d’Affaires at the Ukrainian Embassy in Nairobi, intends to engage with academicians to explore opportunities for collaborative research projects.
Bielokolos also highlighted the unique perspectives that both Ukraine and Kenya hold due to their histories of colonization and aggression, emphasizing the potential for smaller countries to work together to resist exploitation from larger powers.
The delegation’s visit underscores the desire to expand and deepen partnerships between Ukraine and Kenya, leveraging each other’s strengths to foster mutual growth and cooperation across various sectors. As the delegation prepares to embark on this historic visit, the prospects for enhanced collaboration between the two nations appear promising, signaling a new chapter in their bilateral relations.
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