ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Ukrainian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Pakistan His Excellency Markiian Chuchuk has said that the bilateral relations between Pakistan and Ukraine have always been a shining example of goodwill and sincerity based upon common values, mutual respect, and understanding.
In his address at an event held in connection with the 30th Anniversary of Independence of Ukraine (celebrated on August 24) at Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) in Islamabad on Thursday, the ambassador said that it is very symbolically that Ukraine`s Independence Day and Pakistan National Day are being celebrated within just two weeks of each other.
Dear friends!
I am pleased to have this chance to present Ukrainian culture today at the flagship cultural institution in the country – Pakistan National Council of Arts.
Taking an opportunity, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes of success and prosperity to all Ukrainian compatriots as well as to all friends and partners of Ukraine in Pakistan on the biggest national holiday – the Independence Day of Ukraine.
This year Ukraine celebrates the 30th anniversary of her independence. Some believe that independence was an unexpected bounty for Ukrainians – a kind of a gift from the sky – as the consequence of the Moscow coup in August 19, 1991. But it is not the case.
We struggled a lot for the independence. Centuries of statelessness imposed an incredibly heavy cost to our nation. In the twentieth century alone, millions of Ukrainians died because of the Holodomor, the Holocaust, state terror, deportations, and wars.
For Ukrainians, freedom and dignity have always been and remain fundamental values that motivate and support the struggle for independence. Finally, 30 years ago, August 24 1991 then the Parliament of Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic adopted the Act of Independence of Ukraine.
The Act proclaimed reestablishment of historical Ukraine’s state-building tradition and ushered in the new era of modern Ukrainian statehood.
30 years of independence have shown the world that Ukraine has succeeded as a state capable of affirming democratic values, promoting freedom, dignity and diversity, defending its sovereignty and integrity.
Despite all the odds, we have managed to build a tolerant society in which different ethnic, religious and social groups find common language and live in mutual respect.
If you ask me about my Motherland, I would tell you that Ukraine is the land of beauty, land of splendid nature, blue skies and golden fields. Ukraine – is a heart of Europe, it has the distinction of being the geographical center of Europe. Ukraine is an ancient land, a cradle of eastern Cristian traditions. Ukraine has rich cultural traditions. It is a birthplace of sweet melodies and dynamic dances. Ukraine is a very tolerant and peaceful country, a nation of patriots who can protect and defend the Motherland.
Also, nowadays Ukraine is technologically advanced, vigorous and dynamic state, undergoing fundamental economic reforms, changing and persistently implementing policies on opening it’s economy to the world. Current economic openness index of Ukraine is 90%.
Ukraine is one of the most educated nations in the world. It has the fourth highest literacy rate in the world. Ukraine is the motherland of hard-working people; a nation of scientists and investigators, which gives a world many inventions. When it comes to innovation, Ukraine is ranked 2nd in the region and in the top 50 globally. Ukraine is open to the future, famous for her space exploration and IT services.
I believe, it is very symbolically that Ukraine`s Independence Day and Pakistan National Day are being celebrated within just two weeks of each other. And that`s more than mere coincidence. That is fact that brings two countries closer together.
Ukraine and Pakistan enjoy friendly, mutually beneficial and problem-free relations. There is active engagement in different areas, especially in military and technical, trade and economic domains, in bilateral and multilateral formats between the two countries.
Ukraine is a key trade partner for Pakistan, being listed in the TOP-20 major importers of Pakistan for July 2020 – March 2021.
As Ukrainian Ambassador in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, I am very pleased to admit that in this very sensitive period, both for Ukraine and Pakistan, two countries act as good friends and reliable partners. Our bilateral relations have always been a shining example of goodwill and sincerity, based upon common values, mutual respect and understanding.
Also, my special pleasure to notice, that Ukraine and Pakistan have much in common, especially in the field of culture. I hope you can feel this commonality today.
Dear friends, please have a look on small documentary about Ukraine and enjoy our cultural programme!
