At the end of last year, the UAE hosted the second international economic summit "Leaders in Dubai - 2005". In terms of its scope and the issues discussed, as well as in the number of invited, the summit is an analogue of the Davos forum, where famous politicians, economists and businessmen gather. For the first time, Anatoly Zlenko, a well-known diplomat and foreign minister of Ukraine in 1990-1994 and 2000-2003, participated in this forum in Dubai. Earlier, he repeatedly made official trips to the Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates.
The former Foreign Minister of Ukraine, and now the President of the Fund for International Economic Cooperation, shared his impressions about participation in the Leaders in Dubai 2005 Summit with the correspondent of our magazine.
Anatoly Maksimovich, we know that you are a frequent guest in the UAE and in other countries of the Persian Gulf, where you have visited more than once. I would like to know what are the plans and motives of Ukraine to represent their interests in this region?
Frankly, our interests are primarily determined by the need to establish and develop mutually beneficial cooperation with these states in various fields. The areas of trade, economic, scientific, technical and humanitarian cooperation deserve special attention. The establishment of diplomatic relations with the Gulf countries in the 90s of the last century and then the opening of our diplomatic missions contributed to the solution of many practical issues of real interest to both the Arab and Ukrainian sides.
The visits of the President, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and other high-ranking officials of Ukraine became a landmark in promoting the interests of our state in this region and gave a significant impetus to the dynamization of the development of bilateral relations and their gradual transformation into friendly and truly partner relations.
It is pleasant to note that starting from the very first political contacts from our side, the leaders of the countries of the region showed a keen interest in establishing cooperation with Ukraine. In general, we can say that over the years it has become a welcome country, interest in it is constantly growing, as evidenced by the annual increase in trade. Diversification of various areas of cooperation is observed, a constant political and diplomatic dialogue is ongoing.
I must say that the potential of Ukraine in such areas as industry, science and technology, agricultural production has always been of interest to other countries. At the same time, the experience of the Persian Gulf states in a number of rapidly developing areas of the economy, their rich energy resources cannot but attract attention. In other words, mutual interest is the basis and driving force for maintaining and developing our relations.
Communication with the emirates and certain developments of our specialists convince us that the number of positive trends in bilateral relations is increasing, taking into account mutually beneficial interests. Today, the UAE has an experienced Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine, a wonderful Arabist, professional Yevgeny Mikitenko. In recent years, there has been a positive dynamics in our relations: trade turnover has increased significantly, contacts between representatives of Ukraine and the UAE have become more frequent, tourism exchange is growing, interesting round tables, conferences with an economic and commercial bias are being held. In addition, Ukraine takes part in various exhibitions, adequately presents samples of its products at well-known air shows. It’s impossible to count, but the main thing is that relations between our countries are growing. And this indicates the prospects of interstate relations.
During your visits to the countries of the Middle East, you had to negotiate on various issues, including international issues. Is it possible to say that the positions of Ukraine and the Gulf countries coincided or were close?
My colleagues from the Persian Gulf countries and I value everything we have gained. u1059 We have developed very friendly relations that are based on trust and deep respect. It has been my great honor to sign protocols on the establishment of diplomatic relations with most countries in this region. Since relations between Ukraine and these states were in their infancy, the signed documents, without exaggeration, had historical significance, and the person who was at the origins of the emergence of interstate relations was paid tribute to. Over a short historical period, these contacts have become quite intense.
In terms of status, I had to meet with my colleagues not only in a particular country, but also at sessions of the UN General Assembly and other forums. This is a great place to meet and negotiate. Actually, at the headquarters of the World Forum, it was laid down that it made the first contacts. I want to express my gratitude to my colleagues from Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and other countries for their understanding. I cannot but express satisfaction with the memorable meetings with the King of Saudi Arabia, the Sultan of Oman, the Emir of Qatar, the Prime Minister of Kuwait, the President of the UAE and the leader of Bahrain. It is pleasant that the leaders of our state and, as a whole, Ukrainian representatives have always been welcome guests in these countries, which made it possible to conduct constructive negotiations and reach mutually acceptable stipulations. By the way, I happened to be convinced of this during a meeting in October 2005 with the former head of the UAE Presidential Administration Sheikh Saur, who now heads the country's largest fund.
Anatoly Maksimovich, not so long ago you were in the UAE in a new quality. What do you remember most in the Emirates or made an unforgettable impression on you?
Every time I come to this country, I discover something new and unforgettable. The scope of the construction industry is amazing. Emirates, and especially Dubai, are experiencing a real construction boom. What catches the eye is the pace of construction work and the originality of architectural designs. What has already been built and continues to be built is a kind of monuments of modern advanced architecture. Cities of the country are rapidly becoming prosperous megacities, developing at a very fast pace.
It is commendable that unique offers generate demand, and it, in turn, contributes to the influx of significant investment in various industries. And the successful functioning of the Jebel Ali Free Economic Zone deserves special attention and can become interesting as an experience for the planned free economic zones
rebuild in our country.
I hope that the agreement signed in December 2005 between Jebel Ali and the Ukrainian Fund for the Promotion of Investments and Privatization will be very useful in terms of focusing on the advanced standards used in the work of the Free Economic Zone of the United Arab Emirates and, just as importantly, organizing the direct work of our economic zones in basis of these standards. This, in particular, was discussed in more detail by the chairman of the State Property Fund of Ukraine, Valentina Semenyuk, who visited the UAE in December 2005.
In 2003, I was able to overcome a significant distance by helicopter - from Abu Dhabi to the residence of the former President of the UAE. This short flight made it possible to see the country from a height and once again make sure of its rapid economic growth, based on the introduction of the most modern technologies and the development of more and more desert territories turning into vital poles.
You were invited and took part in the economic forum "Leaders in Dubai 2005". What are your impressions of this event?
You know, I had to take part in many international forums, including Davos, the Crane Montana forum, not to mention political conferences, seminars, meetings, etc. But if we talk about the meeting in Dubai, it should be noted before
In all, the serious representative character and scale of this event. The forum brought together the most famous people from around the world. Keynote speakers included former US and South African presidents Bill Clinton and Frederick de Klerk, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahatir Bin Mohamad, US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.
The economic part of the Dubai meeting was complemented by world business leaders, heads of well-known companies and non-governmental organizations. It was interesting for me to listen to many speakers who touched upon current problems of the risks of the global economy, stock markets, and investment policy. And most importantly, I happened to see and hear competent and professional experts who gave answers to key questions of the current state and development of the world economy, its ability to respond to new challenges and threats.
Did you have the opportunity to chat with forum participants outside of meetings?
Participation in the forum was extremely useful for me. I could not help but take advantage of such a rare opportunity for self-adaptation to the problems of the forum, on the one hand, and on the other, I could not help but refresh my modest knowledge of economic issues and get new information about modern economic development trends that are emerging in the process of world globalization.
The forum gave me the opportunity to meet old acquaintances, make contacts with new people, and besides - to communicate with benefit. During such informal communication with representatives of the countries of the Middle East, the Asia-Pacific region, the USA, and Europe, great interest was shown in Ukraine. Behind this interest were intentions to develop cooperation and receive more information about the economic situation, prospects for the development of the country, organization
its banking system, financial and investment policies.
I was especially impressed by the meeting with Madeleine Albright. Both of us were pleased to recall the time spent at the UN as representatives of our countries and, of course, as former foreign ministers. The subject of conversation was
the activities of the United Nations as an organ of collective security, its investment opportunities, and the increasing role of the United Nations as an organ of collective security. The former US Secretary of State was interested in everything that is happening in our country, especially after the Orange Revolution. Madeleine Albright, who has long nurtured warm feelings for our country, wishes Ukraine prosperity, democratic development and is ready in a new capacity to continue cooperation. As chairman of the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, she closely follows the democratic processes in the post-Soviet space
and I would like for democratic and economic reforms to be successfully implemented in our country.
Anatoly Maksimovich, it feels that you are satisfied with your participation in the summit, and it also seems that you have a special attitude to the Gulf region - and to the UAE in particular. Is it so?
Exactly. If we talk about the summit, I will not be mistaken, noting that it deserves attention for many reasons. I would like to hold similar forums in our country. They could attract attention to Ukraine and undoubtedly facilitate the exchange of international experience, which is so necessary during the transition of the Ukrainian economy to market relations.
As for the Emirates, I do not cease to be surprised at their successes and achievements,
which amaze the imagination of everyone who has ever visited this unusual region
not. I am a creative person by nature, so I like everything that is born with
such a "creative pathos." Everything new and original does not leave me indifferent. This is what distinguishes the Emirates.
The countries of the region have achieved a lot in a relatively short period of time and continue to take a creative path - which causes admiration. This example is worth emulating.
The conversation was conducted by Sergey Tokarev
