(Communicated by the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson)
The governments of the State of Israel and Ukraine will commemorate the 25th year of diplomatic relations next year. Both countries share a dynamic relationship of mutual respect and cooperation in many fields, including economy, culture and tourism. The State Visit of President Poroshenko in Israel confirms this, and Israel is certain that this visit shall serve as a catalyst to the development of strong ties between our countries and peoples.
The Ukrainian people and the Jewish people have a long shared history reaching back more than millennia. Ukrainian history is embedded deeply in Jewish culture and heritage, moreover Israeli history was largely shaped by Ukrainian-born Israelis. The two nations were intertwined and the effects are greatly visible. We've witnessed bright chapters in our common history: advancement in science, literature, art, the birth of Hassidic Jewry and the development of Zionism. Unfortunately, dark chapters ensued during the holocaust as more than a million and half Jews were murdered, entire communities decimated. Rising from the ashes, Jewish life re-emerged in Ukraine after years of oppression and the population has integrated in all areas.
The good and close relations between Israel and Ukraine have progressed since the establishment of our diplomatic relations, 25 years ago. The Ukrainian and Israeli nations share, to this day, a unique People to People connection. Israeli citizens born in Ukraine and the Jewish people of Ukraine are a strong bridge that helps to create better contacts and understanding.
The economic ties between the two countries are growing, as seen in the cooperation in the prominent fields of agriculture, medicine, and science. The Government of Israel is pleased to announce that the second round of negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement will take place in Kiev at the end of this month. This agreement will no doubt serve as a solid platform to boost economic and commercial partnership and achieving unreached potential.
The Governments of Israel and Ukraine have signed and will continue to pursue agreements increasing the mutual benefits and interests of both countries. The Visa-Free travel agreement of 2010 has increased dramatically the number of tourists travelling between Ukraine and Israel. It is our hope that additional agreements shall be signed in the fields of culture, finance, science, communication and transportation, and welcomes the completion of the temporary employment agreement.
At last, we would like to express Israel's commitment to working together with Ukraine to bolster the relationship between the nations.
Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko at Yad VashemCopyright: Avi Dodi
Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko meets with President RivlinCopyright: Avi Dodi
PM Netanyahu and Ukraine President Poroshenko sign agreeementsCopyright: GPO/Kobi Gideon
Ukraine President Poroshenko attends special session of the KnessetCopyright: GPO/Haim Zach