By KYIV. May 12 (Interfax-Ukraine) – During his visit to Guatemala, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba for the first time in history took part in the summit of the Association of Caribbean States at the invitation of his Guatemalan colleague Mario Búcaro Flores.
According to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Kuleba noted new opportunities for Ukraine’s relations with the countries of the Caribbean, including the development of economic cooperation, business contacts, and technology partnerships.
“Our countries might be thousands of miles apart, but there are many things that connect us and even more things that we can achieve together… Your proud states have emerged out of your nations’ struggle for freedom. The will for freedom is in our and your DNA. However, we also know that freedom needs to be backed by security, governance, and economic growth. People need to feel safe and have opportunities in order to be truly free. This is where international cooperation can make a difference, even for countries divided by an ocean and thousands of miles. And this is why I am here today,” the minister said.
The Minister assured that Ukraine stands ready to be a reliable partner in ensuring food security for the island countries of the Caribbean, which depend on food imports. Kuleba also called on the states of the region to come out in defense of the Black Sea Grain Initiative and support the restoration of freedom of navigation in the Black Sea.
Among other things, the minister proposed to develop scientific cooperation and projects in tech, aerospace, innovation, and education. In particular, Kuleba noted the interest of a number of states in the region in scientific research in the Antarctic. He offered countries that do not have their own Antarctic stations research opportunities at Ukraine’s Vernadsky station as well as on board the Ukrainian ice-class research vessel Noosfera.
The Minister specifically called on the states of the region to conclude agreements on visa-free travel to stimulate tourist travel after the victory of Ukraine.
He also said that Ukraine is ready to share experience to strengthen the cybersecurity of the Caribbean states, and also said that Ukraine is ready to share its experience.
In addition, Kuleba briefed his Caribbean colleagues in detail on the Ukrainian Peace Formula and called on the states of the region to join the implementation of its elements. He reiterated that Russia is striving for war, not for peace, therefore, for the time being, a diplomatic path to a settlement is impossible.
The Minister called on the Caribbean partners to support achieving justice for Russian crimes in Ukraine, in particular, to support investigations by the International Criminal Court, cases at the International Court of Justice and to join the Core Group on the Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. He expressed his gratitude to Guatemala and Costa Rica, which had already joined the Core Group.
