New Delhi
Ukraine, where a new democratic government came
30 August 2005
to power towards the end of last year, is a country with economic,
industrial and scientific potential. The visit to Ukraine by the President of
India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, in June this year has continued the dialogue
process between the two countries. In an interview to this newspaper, the
ambassador of Ukraine in India, Dr Oleh Semenets, says, "Ukraine may
be of interest for South Asia from the point of promoting its interests in
Europe." Excerpts:
How would you describe bilateral relations between Ukraine and India?
For the last few years, Ukrainian-Indian bilateral relations have been
developing at a rapid pace. I am happy to say that our partnership is
getting a new positive momentum. We have mutual political trust. We
have increased our interaction in the areas where we share similar views
and we openly address the issues that need our quick and effective
response.
What are the areas of convergence between the two countries?
Ukraine and India have a lot in common in their approaches. Both
countries share a belief that that new world order should be fair, honest
and should be based on principles of democracy, sovereign equality and
territorial integrity. Kiev and New Delhi agree that together with other
countries, we should resist the threats to peace and stability in the world
like international terrorism, illegal trade in arms and narcotic substances,
extremism and separatism in all their forms.
What are the potential areas for cooperation?
The Ukrainian-Indian cooperation has prospects in the field of science and
technology. Ukraine has a large scientific and industrial potential, which it
inherited from the erstwhile USSR. Further, the president of Ukraine, Mr
Victor Yushchenko, adopted market and social reforms, which has
accelerated the integration of Ukraine in the world economic system.
Owing to this, India will be interested in Ukraine. There is scope in space,
aviation, transportation and light industry. India has a significant place in
the new policy of Ukraine. The necessity of further development of
bilateral relations is determined by the increasing significance of India in
the political arena and her influence in global and regional fora by virtue
of the dynamic development of the Indian economy, science and
technology.
What is the volume of trade between India and Ukraine?
One of the significant results of our joint efforts is the sustained growth of
Ukrainian-Indian trade, which during the year 2004 totalled $ 708 million.
It was twice the volume of trade recorded during the previous year.
Realising that this volume still does not correspond to both countries’
potential, we are working hard to create proper conditions to ensure
further increase in our trade and economic interaction.
What are the future prospects of bilateral relations?
Ukraine and India are bound not only by the experience of economic,
technical and scientific cooperation, but also by the adherence to the
ideals of democracy, freedom and human rights. Personally, I believe that
the potential for cooperation between our two countries is inexhaustible.
And we are doing our best to enhance our cooperation in all spheres. Let
me express confidence that Ukrainian-Indian relations will continue to
develop dynamically for the benefit of our two nations.
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