Ukraine – DR Congo cooperation could be ‘Klondike’ for both countries – Ambassador
This view was expressed by Ukraine’s Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of the Congo Vasyl Hamianin in an interview with Ukrinform.
The diplomat noted that the opening of Ukraine’s embassy in the DRC creates new opportunities for establishing economic ties.
“About 110 million people live in the DRC, ready to consume what we have to offer... Plus, don’t forget that the DRC is an inexhaustible source of resources. And if we have the technology to produce something that requires local raw materials, then why not come and say, ‘Give us guarantees, and we’ll invest and set up production so you can sell not just raw ore, but a finished product — say, batteries, or at least copper wire or cables.’ That would be great — a real Klondike for both countries,” Hamianin said.
According to him, virtually all Ukrainian products could either be sold in the DRC or co-produced through investment. The ambassador cited agriculture, machinery, technology, cybersecurity, small-scale hydropower, food processing, and even cultural initiatives as potential areas for collaboration.
“For example, Khanenko Museum in Kyiv has a collection that includes 10 Congolese art objects. There is only one symphony orchestra in the entire country — why not introduce Ukrainian music here? It’s like an untouched field. We just need to take all of this and bring it here,” the ambassador emphasized.
As previously reported by Ukrinform, Ukraine officially opened its embassy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in April 2024.
President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Vasyl Hamianin as Ukraine’s Ambassador to the DRC by decree on December 21, 2024.
Hamianin presented his credentials to DRC President Félix Tshisekedi on April 10, 2025.
