Sybiha proposes to Oman to create food hub for entry of Ukrainian products to markets of East Africa

Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha has proposed to create a food hub in Oman for the entry of Ukrainian products to the markets of East African countries.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced this, the Ukrainian News agency reports.

On Wednesday, October 23, during a visit to the Sultanate of Oman, Sybiha held talks with the Minister of Economy of Oman, Said bin Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Saqri.

Sybiha expressed Ukraine's interest in developing relations with Oman and the Persian Gulf states in a number of areas, including trade, investments, food exports, and the development of renewable energy and technologies.

He offered the Omani side to consider the possibility of creating a food hub for Ukrainian products and their further promotion to the markets of East African countries.

Sybiha emphasized that despite the war and russia's attacks on Ukrainian port infrastructure and civilian vessels, Ukraine remains one of the guarantors of global food security. He assured of Ukraine's readiness to continue to be a reliable partner for the countries of the Middle East and Africa in the supply of critically needed food.

The minister invited the Omani side to participate in the third Food Summit, which will be held this year in Kyiv.

It is noted that the parties agreed that russian aggression against Ukraine led to negative global consequences, in particular the aggravation of a whole series of crises: food, energy, and security.

Sybiha informed the interlocutor about the situation on the battlefield and the Peace Formula as the only way to restore a comprehensive, just and lasting peace. He expressed gratitude to the Omani side for the principled support of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, the principles of the UN Charter.

The ministers agreed on the importance of starting the activities of the bilateral intergovernmental commission and holding its first meeting. They also discussed the possibility of sending mutual business missions to explore opportunities for cooperation and the creation of a permanent business council mechanism for the development of bilateral trade.

Sybiha also invited Oman to take part in the next conference on the restoration of Ukraine and to play an active role in the reconstruction of the state.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sybiha will visit Oman, Angola, Egypt and the Republic of South Africa on October 23-28 to promote the Peace Formula, develop political dialogue, consolidate humanitarian and energy support to Ukraine, develop trade and economic cooperation.

As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, in the first half of the year, Ukraine increased its export of agricultural products to the EU and Africa.