President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy is the chief architect of the development and implementation of the state's foreign policy. Although the last year has been difficult for our country in the field of foreign policy, the Head of State has shown since the beginning of his term and continues to show the leadership qualities needed in times of crisis. It was stated in an interview by Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva who is responsible for international relations.
"This year, unfortunately, crisis events concerning Ukraine in foreign policy have been constantly arising. In my opinion, in these difficult times, the President has perfectly coped with the task of developing an appropriate foreign policy course. Volodymyr Zelenskyy is an absolutely equal player on the world stage," Ihor Zhovkva said.
According to him, from the very beginning of Volodymyr Zelenskyy's presidency, many representatives of foreign countries have shown great interest in the President of Ukraine. Therefore, within the summits, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been holding up to 20 meetings. The schedule was so tight that we had to decline a meeting with some delegations.
"This desire to communicate has not disappeared even now. The interest has not decreased - it has only increased," the Deputy Head of the President's Office said.
Ihor Zhovkva stressed that humor has become a strong instrument of Volodymyr Zelenskyy in international diplomacy.
"This is something that is valued in diplomacy. This is something that is not common to everyone - both professional diplomats and presidents of other countries. But this is the weapon that our President has. He uses it very often and skillfully," he said.
Ihor Zhovkva also stressed that during the presidential term of the incumbent President, a large part of the diplomatic corps has already been rotated and ambassadors of Ukraine have been appointed or replaced. Before agreeing to such an appointment, Volodymyr Zelenskyy carefully studies the story of the diplomat and communicates with him personally.
"It is right when the President knows, sees and gives certain instructions. And after that, the ambassador works more responsibly in the host country," the Deputy Head of the Office of the President noted.
According to him, currently Ukraine's strategic partners are the United States, Germany, France, Poland and Turkey. Ihor Zhovkva also mentioned warm relations with Great Britain and Canada. At the same time, he noted that the main priority in establishing relations with other states is to protect the national interests of Ukraine.
"A strategic partner is a country that is ready to help in difficult times. And sometimes, understanding your national interests, it is willing to adjust its policy accordingly," he added.
At the same time, Ukraine considers the Asian direction as one of the priorities in the development of international relations, the Deputy Head of the Office of the President said. This includes deepening cooperation with Japan, China and India.
"The Asian direction is important. And if we talk about the dimensions of the President's activities, of course, we will plan the President's Asian tour after the abolition of bans on travel against the background of coronavirus. For him to visit several countries which we need to strengthen relations with," Ihor Zhovkva said.
In addition, he noted that the agricultural sector, infrastructure and renewable energy are the areas in Ukraine in which foreign investors are most interested.