Accompanied by a delegation of African journalists we continue our visit to Ukraine. Wednesday, November 15, we had the opportunity to go to the Prime Minister’s office for an interview with Denys Chmygal, who was accompanied by the first vice-president Oleksandr Korniyenko and the deputy of Minister Mykola Tochytsky.
Reconstruction and adaptation
“Russia has inflicted important losses on our country, resulting in a 30% fall in our economy and our GDP because of the armed conflict. However, we managed to adapt to this difficult situation, “said Prime Minister Denys Chmygal. “In 2024, we anticipate GDP growth by 5%,” he said.
He added that his government has already undertaken the reconstruction of more than 500 schools, more than 700 hospitals and more than 20 bridges, while strengthening the country’s defense complex, in particular, the production of drones, which has been multiplied by 7.
“We plan an increase in GDP
which should reach 5% in 2024 ”
Currently, more than 50,000 dwellings are in ruins in Ukraine, and 900 buildings are being reconstructed thanks to an investment of $ 1 billion from state funds and international organizations. Rapid reconstruction, despite the risks, will require $ 14 billion during the year.
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The World Bank estimates that the losses of Ukraine in the free territories amount to $ 416 billion, a figure that could double if the occupied territories are included. Our collaboration with the international community aims to develop projects to revitalize our economy.
Food security and trade with Africa
In terms of food security, despite the Russian invasion which prevented the increase in cereal exports to Africa, Ukraine remains a significant exporter with more than 4 million tonnes of cereals, the Ukrainian Prime Minister said.
This year, production will reach almost 79 million tonnes, compared to the 107 million pre-war periods, the majority being intended for internal consumption. We offer African partners the opportunity to collaborate in order to create cereal hubs in Ukraine.
“We offer African partners to find
contact points because Ukraine is interested
by setting up cereal hubs ”
Reinstatement of African students
“With regard to African students, we facilitated their evacuation at the start of the conflict and we are ready to take over the education program. Those who have already paid for their studies and have not been able to complete them will be offset.
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We are willing to welcome them to the western part of the country and to fulfill all our obligations towards them. A project has been developed, based on subsidies and donations, to finance their studies and encourage them to return to Ukraine, “said Denys Chmygal.
“We are ready to finance the studies of these students to return to Ukraine”
In addition, “we observe a revitalization of cooperation with African countries, symbolized by the upcoming opening of embassies in Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon and Mali, as well as the opening forecast of commercial houses in certain African countries”, also announced the Ukrainian Prime Minister.
Ukraine offers advantageous partnerships and aspires to be considered a primordial partner by all African countries, according to him.
Prime Minister Denys Chmygal was accompanied on his left of the first vice-president Oleksandr Korniyenko and the deputy of Minister Mykola Tochytsky | Photo credit: Olexy Nazaruk – 12/15/2023
Diversity in government
Regarding the representation of minorities in our government, Ukraine, as a multinational and multi -religious country where there is even a church council, which organizes and brings together the different religions (Christians, Muslims, Jews), testifies to total tolerance towards all religions.
Different native nationalities and communities, such as Crimean Tatares, are integrated into the country’s social life. The Minister of Defense, Rustem Umerov, is one of them, and his presence as an Issu of this Muslim community, underlines the diversity and modernity of Ukrainian nationalism.
“The presence of Muslims, like the Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov, underlines the diversity and modernity of Ukrainian nationalism”
As a reminder, on September 6, the Ukrainian parliament approved the appointment of Rustem Umerov as Minister of Defense. He is the only Muslim at such a post on the European continent, and also appointed by a president of Jewish origin. The promotion of a tatar to such responsibilities also highlights the major role of this minority in the resistance of Ukraine.
On September 6, the Ukrainian parliament approved the appointment of Rustem Umerov as Minister of Defense. He is the only Muslim at such a position on the European continent. It comes from the Crimean Tatars Community | Photo credit: Chad J. McNeeley
The Ukrainian commitment to tolerance is still illustrated by the recent recognition of Mustafa Dzhemilev, representative of Crimean Tatars, as thehero of Ukraine. In addition, diversity is present in Parliament, with an Olympic champion, half African, half Ukrainian, and a vice-minister of foreign affairs also belonging to a minority.
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There are more than fifty religious denominations in Ukraine, all gathered within the Council of Churches. The State remains separated from religion and the government dialogues with this council each quarter. Ukraine is also made up of 21 national minorities.
“Finally, the opening of embassies in Africa is not only an initiative aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s links with the continent, but also to contribute to its global integration within the international community. Our presence in Africa, Asia and Latin America must expand although the war has temporarily hampered this achievement, ”insists the Ukrainian Prime Minister. “We are starting our enlargement today,” he said.
(Walid Ben Youssef is in Ukraine for an investigation mission for African journalists, sponsored by the Ukrainian government).
