Ukraine and the Lebanese Republic agreed to consider and work on a draft free trade agreement between the two countries and to resume the work of the Intergovernmental Ukrainian-Lebanese Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation. Separately, they discussed the possibility of developing cooperation in the field of mine action. These are the results of the visit to Beirut of the delegation of the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine, headed by Deputy Minister Igor Bezkaravayny.
Lebanon is interested in increasing the volume of bilateral trade with Ukraine and expanding the range of goods, as well as in creating an agrohub on its territory. This was stated by the Minister of Economy and Trade of the Republic of Lebanon, Amer Bisat, during a meeting with the Ukrainian delegation.
“Ukraine is interested in a long-term strategic partnership with Lebanon. The project of a food and logistics hub in this country is not only about greater trade volumes. It is also about the food security of the region, since Lebanon can become a trade gateway for Ukrainian goods,” said Igor Bezkaravayny.
During a meeting with the Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Lebanon, Nizar Hani, Igor Bezkaravayny emphasized that Ukraine was ready to strengthen cooperation with Lebanon in mine action. In particular, Ukrainian specialists can help in implementing measures for the reclamation and remediation of soils after demining.
“A regional mine action center is currently being created in Lebanon, where demining specialists from various countries of the Middle East will be trained. Ukraine has proposed that Ukrainian specialists should also be able to teach at this Center, share their unique demining experience and contribute to strengthening security in the region,” said Igor Bezkaravayny after a meeting with representatives of Lebanese officials responsible for demining territories.
The parties also discussed the use of innovative technologies, in particular drones with sensors for demining work. (Economy Ministry)