Tunisia and Ukraine celebrate on June 24, three decades of diplomatic relations under a protocol signed in 1992 in Kyiv.
30 years ago, Tunisian-Ukrainian relations were established under a protocol signed in Kyiv. The two countries had adopted, on December 7, 1993, a joint declaration on the principles of relations of friendship and cooperation.
A joint declaration on the principles of friendship and cooperation relations was adopted on December 7, 1993, between the two countries. Tunisian-Ukrainian cooperation is governed by 6 agreements and protocols, which mainly affect the areas of the economy, trade, and air transport.
“I am proud of the good partnership and the true brotherly relationship with Tunisia,” Ukrainian Ambassador Volodymyr Khomanets said in an interview with Anadolu Agency.
Appointed First Secretary at the Embassy of Ukraine in the United States (2006-2010), then First Counselor at the Embassy of Ukraine in the United Kingdom (2012-2016), Volodymyr Khomanets took up the post of Ambassador of Kyiv to Tunis on September 22, 2020. Interview.
AA: How have bilateral relations between Tunisia and Ukraine evolved since 1992?
- Today we celebrate this historic day for both nations, we commemorate thirty years of establishment of diplomatic relations between Tunisia and Ukraine. I am proud that we have a good partnership and a real brotherly relationship between the two countries. I can describe relationships responsibly only in a positive context so that our relationships are based on a pragmatic and transparent principle.
We had only positive dynamics, and this, in several fields of cooperation, political, economic, cultural, scientific, educational, etc. We want to emphasize these relationships and develop them further in the same positive dynamic.
In what areas should bilateral relations be strengthened?
- I reaffirm that I am proud that we have a positive dynamic in all areas, particularly trade, where each year trade increases by 5 to 10%. Last year’s trade figures had reached half a billion dollars, which is very important for Tunisia, its exports more than doubled. The Ukrainian market is increasingly interesting for Tunisian businessmen.
In addition to good economic relations, the many cultural events organized in the two countries increase the number of Ukrainian tourists in Tunisia and the number of Tunisian students in Ukraine.
The two nations know each other perfectly well, the proof of this is the evolution of the Ukrainian community in Tunisia and of the Tunisian community in Ukraine. Having good relations in many areas is a very good sign, and every year we conclude new agreements between the two parties.
Six months ago, an agreement between the largest universities in Ukraine and Tunisia, namely the University of El Manar and the Ukrainian National University, was concluded.
What about Tunisian students returning from Ukraine because of the war?
- About a thousand Tunisian students continued their studies in Ukraine before the war, now a large part has returned to Tunisia, however, the important thing is that they continue to study at a distance.
I am in constant contact with most of them and their parents, who really dream of returning to Ukraine once the war is over.
I express my full support as the father of his students whom I often think of. I am really trying to find a solution with the Ukrainian authorities concerned so that they can continue their studies and return to Ukraine.
The number of Tunisian students will certainly increase in the future (after the war) because our educational system is increasingly better with European standards and a very good price-quality ratio, in addition, the Ukrainian diploma is recognized everywhere.
I would like to clarify an important point, Tunisian students really want to go back to Ukraine, some of them called me, and they even want to go back now. Some have already returned to continue their studies at university.
What is your perception of Tunisian-Ukrainian tourism impacted first by the coronavirus pandemic and then by the current situation in Ukraine?
- Tunisia is a well-known destination for Ukrainian tourists whose number is increasing from year to year. This dynamic will be renewed after the war, I am convinced, in addition, we have a direct flight between the two countries allowing Ukrainian tourists to visit Tunisia more and more.
Tunisia boasts of a good geographical location, a friend of mine had visited before and he plans to come back to show his friends around. Due to the war, we no longer have a direct flight, some Ukrainian tourists will have to come through Poland or Bulgaria.
Tunisia is the third destination for Ukrainian tourists after Turkey and Egypt. I am certain that the number will increase after the war. Ukraine will end this war, democracy always ends up winning.
I promise as ambassador that we are working to maintain good relations with Tunisia in the same positive dynamic. Cultural events will be organized more and other bilateral agreements will be signed to increase the number of Ukrainian tourists in the Tunisian resort.
I had visited many regions in Tunisia, I find that each place is distinguished by a very interesting specificity, where each region has its own history, tradition and its own cultural aspect. I’ve been here for two years and I really like myself here, as does my family, who even in summer prefer to spend their holidays in Tunisia. Moreover, it is the case of my Ukrainian friends who do not stop telling how Tunisia is a very beautiful country to visit.
Many Ukrainian citizens live here in different governorates, once we get to the subject of Tunisia, it could take hours to talk about the beauty of its regions. I really like living here.
In conclusion, I would like to say that I am truly grateful from the bottom of my heart to the Tunisian people for their support for Ukraine in these difficult times. This is particularly important when a democratic country supports another democratic country like Tunisia supports Ukraine. And as they say “a friend in need is a friend”, Tunisia’s support is a true sign of 30 years of friendship and good relations.
I wish much prosperity and peace to the Tunisian people and above all the preservation of Tunisia’s independence and democracy.
