Kyiv, 20 July 2022 (TDI): The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the first time held talks with the President of Ivory Coast, Alassane Dramane Ouattara.
The President of Ukraine highlighted that for the first time Ukraine has started developing bilateral relations with the Ivory Coast. He said that they discussed supporting Ukraine on the UN platform.
The Ukrainian President, in addition, updated the Ivorian Coast President about the rising food crisis. He said that it was one of Russia’s tactics to artificially create a food crisis around the globe.
In addition to this, Ukraine’s President also explained the effects of food crisis on states around the globe.
In line with his talks with the Ivorian President, he said that Ukraine aims to develop good relations with the African subcontinent.
Held the 1st talks in the history of bilateral relations with 🇨🇮 President @AOuattara_PRCI. Discussed support for 🇺🇦 within the UN. Told about countering Russia’s artificial creation of the global food crisis. 🇺🇦 aims to open a new page in relations with the African continent!
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 19, 2022
Although Ivory Coast and Ukraine have had minimum to no interactions during the last years this all has changed now.
Nonetheless, many Ivorian Coast students have studied in Ukrainian universities over the years. The students have done their Bachelors and Masters in many of Ukraine’s different courses in the fields of Medical, Engineering, and Arts.
President Alassane Ouattara, with the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, had also said that the country was increasingly feeling the impact of war in Ukraine. Notably, the AfDB President said that Africa should prepare for the food crisis.
It is noteworthy that Ivory Coast has had minimum dependence on Ukraine or Russian economies. But still, it has been among the states affected by the war.
Ukraine’s relations with Africa
During the last years, Ukraine had very less interaction with the states of Africa. However, currently, the officials of Ukraine have started interacting with African states on many grounds.
Recently, Zelenskyy congratulated Filipe Nyusi, President of Mozambique on Mozambique’s election into the UNSC.
Likewise, they discussed the issue of food security and the need to overcome the food crisis caused by Russia.
Held talks with 🇲🇿 President #FilipeNyusi. Congratulated 🇲🇿 on election to the UNSC. Thanked for solidarity with 🇺🇦. Informed about the situation on the front & resistance to RF’s aggression. Discussed the issue of food security. We must overcome the food crisis caused by Russia.
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 6, 2022
