Kuleba believes strengthening energy diplomacy to help Ukraine overcome external challenges in energy, climate

KYIV. Nov 17 (Interfax-Ukraine) – Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has said that a coordinated domestic and foreign policy in the energy sector and strengthening of energy diplomacy will help overcome the modern challenges facing Ukraine and the world, the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said.

"The hybrid aggression of the Russian Federation against Europe, which is developing in particular in the energy sector, requires increased readiness of the diplomatic corps and coordination of actions of all players in the state’s energy space. It is important to observe the policy of a single voice between all stakeholders," the press service quoted Kuleba as saying speaking in his video message addressed to the participants of the discussion on energy diplomacy, which took place at the ministry on November 16.

He noted that the geographical location of Ukraine makes it not only an integral part of the European and Euro-Atlantic security systems, but also an important energy hub for the region.

The head of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry called for the unification of efforts of all departments and companies and a reasonable combination of energy and diplomacy, and noted that global energy and climate challenges are becoming more acute and require coordinated actions within the state and in the international arena.

"Overcoming modern challenges goes beyond the capabilities of individual, even the most developed states. Responding to these threats requires broad international cooperation," he stressed.

Kuleba also noted the consistent work of the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine in the international sphere and noted that energy is directly related to foreign policy and the security of the state and citizens. He noted that Russia uses energy resources as a weapon, influences energy partnerships, of which Ukraine is a part, personifies energy projects that run counter to Ukrainian interests and increase the dependence of European states on the Kremlin’s policies.

In addition, the minister noted the importance of Ukraine’s integration into regional and global energy markets, infrastructure development, creation of new and expansion of existing geopolitical alliances to advance national interests.

The head of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stressed that thanks to the strengthening of energy diplomacy, Ukraine will play an active role in the global energy and climate dialogue, will be able to expand access to financial and analytical resources, international financial instruments and investments.

At the same time, Kuleba expressed gratitude to the Renaissance Foundation, DiXi groups, representatives of the ministries of energy, environmental protection, national energy companies, business and specialized associations who took part in the preparation and presentation of the study together with the team of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

As noted, the discussion was attended by key stakeholders in the energy sector: ministries of energy, environmental protection, national energy companies, business representatives and specialized associations. The analytical center DiXi Group presented a study of the state of energy diplomacy, carried out at the initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and with the financial support of the International Renaissance Foundation.