IRIA News

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba arrived in Islamabad for a two-day visit on July 20, 2023, to discuss cooperation on diverse areas with his counterpart in Pakistan. This is the first time that a Ukrainian foreign minister is visiting Pakistan in 30 years.

Kuleba held a detailed meeting with Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in the capital city of Pakistan. The bilateral meeting between the two top diplomats focused on expanding cooperation in all areas of mutual benefits including trade, investment, agriculture, food, security, and defense cooperation. 

Addressing a joint news conference, the two foreign ministers denied any arms supply deal between Islamabad and Kyiv. “I can confirm there are no intergovernmental arrangements between Pakistan and Ukraine in this area,” said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. He added that the military cooperation between Islamabad and Kyiv dates back to the first contract signed in 1996 and related to the development of Pakistan’s Al-Khalid tank which is powered by a Ukrainian 6TD-2 liquid-cooled diesel engine. 

Despite a neutral stance on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, there have been reports that Pakistan is supplying arms to Ukraine. Bilawal Zardari, however, strongly denied such reports and said that Islamabad is strictly adhering to the policy of non-partisanship. “We find it regrettable that certain media outlets are trying to publish unfounded reports alleging military supplies to Ukraine,” he said during the joint press conference in Islamabad.

Pleased to receive Ukraine’s FM@DmytroKuleba on his first visit to Pakistan. Exchanged views on bilateral & global issues of mutual interest. We agreed to expand cooperation in diverse areas by reinvigorating existing bilateral mechanisms. Expressed the hope that ongoing… pic.twitter.com/uT9B3rqQ3E

— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) July 20, 2023

While Kuleba said that it was an honor for him to be the first-ever Ukrainian foreign minister to visit Pakistan but regretted the limited interaction between the two states that established diplomatic ties in 1993. He sad that “Ukraine and Pakistan have enjoyed excellent relationship” and looked forward to strengthening ties with frequent dialogue and cooperation.

Call for restoration of Black Sea Grain Initiative 

During his visit to Islamabad, the Ukrainian foreign minister called for the restoration of the Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI). He emphasized the urgency to revive the agreement “to return balance to the global food market to return prices under control, and to give Ukraine the possibility to provide grain to the countries who needed the most.” 

The Ukrainian foreign minister criticized Russia’s recent move to withdraw from the wartime deal that provided a safe passage for Ukrainian agricultural exports to sail through the Black Sea. “We regret that it will be Ukraine and countries of Asia and Africa who will suffer the most from Russia’s withdrawal. By doing so, Russia has significantly undermined global food security, and we already see prices going up,” Kuleba said.

Pakistani foreign minister supported his Ukrainian counterpart’s statement, saying the suspension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative is adversely affecting developing countries, including Pakistan, and its restoration is crucial to contain food prices.

“I will be reaching out to the United Nations Secretary-General, to my counterparts in Turkey and in Russia to discuss Pakistan’s concerns and our desire for the Black Sea Grain Initiative to be restored,” Bilawal Zardari said. “It is not only in our interest but in the developing world’s interest that this grain initiative is restored” he added.

Earlier this week, Russia unilaterally pulled out of the agreement that was brokered by the United Nations and Turkey in July 2022 and expired on July 17, 2023. The grain agreement was reached to alleviate a global food crisis after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine is a major supplier of the World Food Program (WFP) which facilitates the availability of cheaper grains for developing countries. According to the European Commission, Ukraine accounts for 10% of the world wheat market, 15% of the corn market, and 13% of the barley market. It is also a key global player in the market of sunflower oil.

As food prices soared immensely across the world and particularly in developing countries following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Black Sea Grain Initiative proved vital for market stabilization. The deal brought immense relief to developing countries, especially African nations, which rely on Ukrainian exports and WFP. A UN body has warned that the termination of the deal could push as many as 47 million people into “acute food insecurity”.

Pakistan and Ukraine to expand cooperation

In Islamabad, Pakistan and Ukraine agreed to expand cooperation in all areas of mutual benefit including trade, investment, agriculture, food security, defense cooperation, and cultural and educational exchanges.

The Ukrainian foreign minister hoped for a strengthened partnership as the two countries are preparing for the inaugural meeting of the Ukrainian Pakistani Commission on economic cooperation. Kuleba also offered Ukraine’s support to Pakistan in the digitalization of state services for improved efficiency and convenience.

The Ukrainian foreign minister also held a meeting with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif before concluding his one-day trip. Pakistani prime minister shared deep concern at the prevailing situation in Ukraine and offered condolences on the loss of precious lives and immense human suffering. He expressed hope for a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.

On a question about Pakistan’s position on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Kuleba simply said: “We want Pakistan to be by our side in the way it finds appropriate for itself”. He added it is the decision of the Pakistani government “to choose appropriate forums to support the country that is fighting for its sovereignty and territorial integrity against a much stronger neighbor.”