Cabinet must approve action plan to implement Ukraine's Foreign Policy Strategy within two months – decree

KYIV. Aug 27 (Interfax-Ukraine) – President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky by his decree instructed the Cabinet of Ministers to approve an action plan for the implementation of Ukraine’s Foreign Policy Strategy, adopted at a meeting of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) on July 30, within two months, the presidential press service said.

"The implementation of the strategy will allow Ukraine to continue to pursue a proactive foreign policy, to protect national interests in all important areas, as well as to fully use the potential of the diplomatic service to strengthen the capabilities of our state," the office said.

The comprehensive strategy of 254 points defining the directions, parameters and priorities of Ukraine’s foreign policy was approved by a presidential decree on August 27. In particular, the priorities of foreign policy are determined by ensuring the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, countering the Russian aggressive policy, the course towards membership in the EU and NATO, protecting the rights and interests of Ukrainian citizens abroad, promoting Ukrainian exports and raising foreign investment, environmental transformation of Ukraine, as well as promoting a positive image of the Ukrainian state in the world.

The strategy’s important component is the analysis of current processes in the international environment, the place and role of Ukraine in them and promising ways of developing national foreign policy.

"The strategy makes it possible to pursue a qualitatively new foreign policy of Ukraine: to develop international relations based on national interests to address specific foreign policy tasks; to strengthen economic diplomacy to promote sustainable economic development and growth in the welfare of Ukrainian citizens; to protect and promote the country’s national interests in international organizations, global and regional multilateral initiatives," the office said.

The use of "soft power" through the means of public diplomacy for the establishment of political ties, the development of trade and economic partnership and the dissemination of reliable information about the development and achievements of Ukraine is also considered separately.

Along with the definition of specific goals and priorities of foreign policy for the medium term, the strategy also provides for strengthening the capabilities of the national diplomatic service, in particular through increasing professional and analytical support of external relations, as well as through institutional strengthening of the system of diplomatic service agencies.