On July 15, the Foreign Ministry hosted the first meeting of Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba with honorary consuls of foreign countries accredited in Ukraine. The event was attended by 62 honorary consuls from 39 countries, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.
“The Institute of Honorary Consuls plays an important role in supporting interstate dialogue, promoting trade, economic, cultural, scientific, tourist and other ties. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine is ready to provide all possible assistance to the activities of honorary consuls for the benefit of Ukraine and its partners, “the head of Ukrainian diplomacy stressed.
Dmytro Kuleba proposed the creation of the Council of Honorary Consuls of Foreign States at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine to strengthen the practical cooperation between Ukrainian diplomats and honorary consuls. He also noted that the priority areas of work should remain the opening of new markets for Ukrainian products, attracting foreign investment, creating new jobs in Ukraine.
The Minister also spoke about the expected changes to the current legal framework to improve the activities of honorary consuls of foreign countries in Ukraine. According to him, a new Regulation on honorary (non-staff) consuls of foreign states and consular offices headed by such consuls should be approved in the near future.
During the meeting, the Foreign Minister of Ukraine paid special attention to increasing trade with African countries and launching joint Ukrainian-African economic projects.
For reference: there are 116 honorary consulates in Ukraine, headed by both citizens of Ukraine and foreigners. Currently, there is a growing tendency of states to use the institution of freelance consular officials to establish and expand bilateral cooperation with Ukraine. Thus, in the first half of 2021, 7 honorary consulates were established in Ukraine, and the process of approving the establishment of 10 more such institutions is underway.