Chinese Ambassador Ma Shengkun at UzhNU: discussion of strategic directions for the development of the agricultural sector
On 23 May, a landmark meeting took place at the Faculty of Biology of Uzhhorod National University — the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of China to Ukraine, Ma Shengkun, visited the university.The event brought together diplomats, government officials, representatives of international organisations and the academic community to discuss the strategic partnership between Ukraine and China. Particular attention was paid to the development of the agricultural sector.
The event was attended by Myroslava Lendiel, Vice-Rector of UzhNU, Oksana Osmachko, Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine, Mohammed Azouqa, Acting Head of the FAO Office in Ukraine, Myroslav Biletsky, Head of the Transcarpathian Regional State Administration, as well as a special guest, Ma Shengkun, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Ukraine. In addition, students and representatives of the following faculties attended: Biology, International Economic Relations, History and International Relations, Social Sciences, and others.
In her opening remarks, Myroslava Lendiel emphasised the importance and relevance of the event, noting: ‘I haven't seen such excitement in a long time — it shows how interested students are in international relations and global challenges.’ She paid special attention to China's desire for mutually beneficial partnership with Ukraine, particularly in the agricultural sector and education. ‘We are very pleased that China is committed to good neighbourly relations with Ukraine, and the development of agriculture is an extremely valuable area for our cooperation,’ added the Vice-Rector.
To ensure the meeting was as productive as possible, it was divided into two parts: speeches by the guests (Oksana Osmachko, Ma Shengkun and Mohammed Azouqa) and a question and answer session.
The representative of the Ministry of Agricultural Policy and Food of Ukraine was the first to speak. In her speech, Ms. Oksana touched upon the importance of strategic partnership with China, particularly in the field of agriculture. She also announced the creation of a youth council under the ministry, which will allow young people to participate in the formation of state policy in this area.
Focusing on economic transformations in Ukraine, the speaker emphasised the transition from a raw material to an agro-industrial model: ‘We want to create added value within the country and open new jobs. An important part of this process is regaining our position in Asian markets, particularly China, where our country has great prospects.’
Ma Shenkun then took the floor and spoke about the main areas of cooperation between the two countries, focusing on the agricultural sector. He noted that China and Ukraine have great potential in agriculture. ‘Both countries have farming potential, and we have many opportunities for cooperation,’ the diplomat emphasised. The ambassador also touched upon the issue of student exchanges and spoke about the opportunities offered by the PRC.
In addition, the diplomat expressed China's readiness to participate in the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, medicine, agriculture and education. ‘We (China) do not interfere in internal affairs, but we are ready to help,’ he said.
In conclusion, Ma Shengkun expressed optimism about future cooperation and emphasised his country's readiness to build long-term relations. ‘China believes in the future and is ready to support the development of our cooperation,’ the ambassador summed up.
Mohammed Azouqa, representative of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), then addressed the audience. In his speech, he emphasised the importance of involving young people, the agricultural sector and food security. The main part of his speech was devoted to the FAO's mission in Ukraine. On the one hand, this includes support for agricultural policy, export development, trade and modernisation of the industry. On the other hand, it includes humanitarian aid. ‘We are helping the Ukrainian government to strengthen the agricultural sector and at the same time ensuring food security so that no one goes hungry,’ Azouqa emphasised.
Finally, it is worth noting that the event was not only official, so young people were encouraged to actively ask questions, including in English, which created an atmosphere of open dialogue.
