Ukrainians are proud of modern Ukraine because the fight for independence has been a long and challenging journey.
Acknowledging dedication to democracy and rule of law, on August 24, 1991, the Verkhovna Rada (Parliament) on behalf of the Ukrainian people finally adopted the Act of Independence of Ukraine. On December 1, 1991, an all-Ukrainian referendum was held during which more than 90% of Ukrainians who took part in the poll supported the Independence of Ukraine.
Step-by-step we have changed the state system, political system, economy, ideology, and paid due attention to international relations, military, law enforcement, and established governmental structures of a new democracy. I`m proud that we then had enough strength, knowledge, and responsibility to undertake the establishment of a new political and economic system in, indeed, a challenging time.
On June 28, 1996, the Parliament of Ukraine adopted the Constitution of Ukraine. The development of Ukrainian statehood has shown the need for further improvement of the Main Codified Law of our state. To ensure the stability of constitutional norms and maintenance of human rights, the Constitution of Ukraine provides a rather complex mechanism for amending, which meets modern international standards.
International cooperation with states around the globe and fruitful partnerships within international organizations have been at the forefront of Ukraine`s national interests. Currently, Ukraine is a member-state to 81 International organization and maintains strong diplomatic relations with more than 130 states. There are 77 foreign missions of states and 22 missions of international organizations in Ukraine.
In 2008 Ukraine became the WTO member-state, it commenced a new stage of Ukraine's multilateral cooperation. The Ukrainian side is currently working at WTO General Council meetings, participating in bilateral multilateral processes. WTO membership has opened for Ukraine, the negotiation of the free trade agreement with the EU and the European Free Trade Association, which has strengthened our country's position as a prominent exporter.
In July 2017 Ukraine's association agreement, which laid down the Free Trade Area with the European Union, was ratified by all signatories and came into force on 1 September 2017. Ukraine`s unique geographic position and Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area with the EU create wide opportunities for foreign investors in Ukraine to get access to EU markets.
Ukraine is famous for its outstanding people, who have become famous in various fields of science. Since 1991, the uniqueness of independent Ukraine has been shaped by personalities known to everyone in Ukraine. And thanks to whom everyone knows about Ukraine – painting, music, theatre, ballet, literature, cinema, science, sports, and many other spheres. To mention only some of them. Ukrainian Igor Sikorsky is the creator of the helicopter, Ivan Puluy designed a tube, which later became the prototype of modern x-ray machines 14 years before German Wilhelm Roentgen. Serhiy Korolev, a native of Zhytomyr, is considered the first successful designer of Space rockets and technology and the founder of astronautics, and Mykola Amosov – the legend of world medicine, who introduced the heart-lung machine to the world.
In 2019, the strategic aspiration of Ukraine to become a full member of the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization was incorporated into the Constitution.
As a result of the steady pace of reform, stakeholders now believe that Ukraine is truly becoming an attractive place in which to make money. Investors have recognized that Ukraine has become a stable and predictable emerging market and that the availability of talented human capital and high-quality undervalued assets make Ukraine an excellent investment destination.
Under the leadership of the President of Ukraine, H.E. Mr. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the country is fully committed to accelerating internal transformations.
The government aims to increase the pace of European integration and Euro-Atlantic reforms. Ukraine's 2030 reform agenda is based on the National Economic Strategy 2030 and is governed by key principles that coincide with the values of the EU and NATO.
The Ukrainian government has already taken several significant steps, including the historic launch of the land market, which increases transparency and boosts the economy. Other important decisions include the adoption of long-awaited laws that will help clean up the judiciary and play a crucial role in selecting judges for international experts.
For the first time in history Ukraine received a systematized strategic document of the highest level on foreign policy: the Strategy of Foreign Policy.
It was developed on behalf of President of Ukraine H.E. Mr. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and the main priority is the diplomatic protection of Ukraine from Russian aggression, the de-occupation of our lands and people, and bringing Russia to international legal responsibility for its crimes. Another five priority areas of the foreign policy include: ensuring the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, the course of EU and NATO membership, promoting Ukrainian exports and attracting foreign investment, protecting the rights and interests of Ukrainian citizens abroad, promoting a positive image of Ukraine in the world.
The celebration on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Ukrainian independence will include events with the participation of international partners, namely: the inaugural summit of the Crimea Platform, the first Kyiv Summit of first ladies and gentlemen, and a military parade for Independence Day.
On the eve of the thirtieth anniversary of Ukraine's Independence the inaugural summit of the Crimea Platform will take place with more than 40 countries participating.
International Crimea Platform is a key foreign-policy tool to advance the process of de-occupation of Crimea, protecting the principles of international law globally at the same time.
The Platform will provide a strategic vision to the process of Crimea’s liberation, consolidate efforts and resources of the international community on the Crimean track as well as add synergy to processes and efforts on inter-governmental, inter-parliamentary, and expert levels as well as among them. At the same time, the concept of the Platform encompasses much wider aspects than just Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
The support of the Platform by the international community will send a powerful message to protect international law, inviolability of internationally recognized borders, and our common values – human rights and fundamental freedoms. We expect Thailand also to join this initiative in future.
Also, the Kyiv Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen will be held for the first time in history upon initiative of the Spouse of the President of Ukraine, Mrs. Olena Zelenska. Spouses of world leaders together with international and Ukrainian experts will be able to discuss the up-to-date challenges and solutions in the areas of education, health, equal rights for men and women.
The readiness of Ukrainians to defend their independence, which has been clearly manifested since 2014, will be marked by a military parade on August 24. For the first time in 30 years of independence, it is planned to involve representatives and equipment of all Armed and Defense Forces of Ukraine that will keep up with leading military warrant officers of partner states.
Ukraine highly appreciates Thailand’s support of the territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
Since the restoration of Ukraine’s Independence our countries have managed to build a solid foundation for further development of bilateral cooperation. Thailand is among the key partners of Ukraine in the South-East Asia and the Ukrainian Government is ready to give fresh impetus to further development of bilateral cooperation with Thailand in all areas of mutual interest.
Thailand is the second-largest trade partner of Ukraine in ASEAN. Ukraine considers Thailand as one of the major trade and economic partners in the South-East Asia. Strengthening Ukrainian-Thai trade and economic cooperation is one of our primary tasks, as Thailand is among the top 20 priority markets, according to Ukraine’s Government Export Strategy.
Two rounds of political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and Thailand have already been held. Ukraine looks forward to holding the third round of political consultations in the near future.
Our countries have become good partners in the area of defense and Ukraine contributed to the strengthening of the defensive potential of the Kingdom of Thailand.
We have several positive examples of cooperation with Thailand in scientific and high-technology spheres in the past – to mention the successful launch of the first Thai satellite “THEOS” by Ukraine’s space launch vehicle “Dnipro”. Thus, Ukraine is interested in expanding our cooperation in the field of the peaceful exploration of outer space.
In recent years, both sides have made important steps to ease traveling between Ukraine and Thailand. The Thai Government abolished visas for Ukrainian tourists and Ukraine on its part introduced e-visas for Thai citizens which can be obtained online within one day. In 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic, 100,000 Ukrainian tourists visited the Kingdom.
Ukraine looks forward to continuing the political dialogue, including on a high level; the further increase of bilateral trade and investment, in particular holding the Ukrainian-Thai Business forum and strengthening the dialogue between our private businesses; cooperation in science and technology, among others in the area of space exploration; renewal of cooperation in the area of tourism as soon as the pandemic allows, including welcoming Thai tourists in Ukraine.