The Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR) hosted a roundtable discussion entitled “The Strengthening of Bilateral Relationship between Ukraine and Malaysia as part of the Foreign Policy of Ukraine in South East-Asia” presented by H.E. Ihor V. Humennyi, Ambassador Extraordinary Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Malaysia on 27th March 2012.
In his welcoming remarks, YBhg. Dato’ Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari, the Director General of IDFR spoke about the warm and friendly bilateral relations between Malaysia and Ukraine. He also highlighted the fact that it was the first time that IDFR has hosted a roundtable discussion where many of the participants are university students.
H.E. Ihor V. Humennyi, in his talk, gave an overview of Ukraine’s relationship with the countries of the South-East Asia region. He highlighted the fact that Ukraine is Malaysia’s largest trading partner after Russia among the countries in Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). He also stressed on the opportunities for greater economic cooperation between Malaysia and Ukraine particularly in the energy sector, aviation, maritime, education and in tourism. In the Q&A session, the esteemed speaker spoke about the steps being taken by Ukraine for its integration with the European Union and its relationship with its neighbours in the East European region.
The participants who attended the roundtable included students and lecturers from a number of local universities, the Master students of IDFR and officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia.
