Netanyahu's visit shows importance of bilateral cooperation for both countries – ambassador

The first visit of Prime Minister of the State of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu to Ukraine for the past 20 years has both symbolic and practical significance, since it shows that the development of bilateral cooperation is important for both countries.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the State of Israel Hennadii Nadolenko said this in comments to Ukrinform on Tuesday, August 20.

"The first visit of the Israeli prime minister to Ukraine over the past 20 years has both symbolic and practical significance. The time chosen for this visit is symbolic - on the eve of Independence Day of Ukraine, which confirms that Ukraine and Israel are close, and our bilateral relations continue to develop, and it is very important for both countries. And from a practical point of view, our cooperation was confirmed in all areas," the ambassador said.

In this context, the diplomat recalled that the free trade agreement between Ukraine and Israel was signed this year, and predicted that it would be ratified by the Israeli side as soon as a new Israeli government was formed after the parliamentary elections.

According to Nadolenko, thanks to the signing of FTA, trade between Ukraine and Israel, which is now USD 1 billion, will double over the next three to four years.

The ambassador also emphasized the importance of an agreement between the Ukrainian president and the Israeli prime minister regarding the immediate continuation of work to expand the agreement to the level of services.

Nadolenko added that cooperation between the countries in the field of agriculture was active, in particular, many Israeli specialists and companies worked in Ukraine and provided their technologies and services. The parties also discussed military and technical cooperation between the states.

The ambassador expressed gratitude to the Israeli side for the continued support of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.

In response to a question about the prospects of Israel’s support for international sanctions against Russia over its aggressive actions against our country, Nadolenko noted that the Israeli side promised to consider this issue. However, he noted that it was likely to happen after the parliamentary elections in Israel.

As Ukrinform reported, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is on a two-day visit to Kyiv. This is his first visit to Ukraine over the past 20 years.

On the first day of the visit, a number of bilateral documents relating to cooperation in agriculture, education, culture and other sectors was signed.

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