Anatoliy Zlenko: “One cannot but Admire economical development of the Gulf Countries”

On November 28–29, 2005 in the United Arab Emirates, the summit “Leaders in Dubai – 2005” took place. This is the second economical forum in Dubai.

By its scope and problems discussed as well as by quantity of persons invited to this annual meeting the summit is the analogue of the forum in Davos, where well–known politicians, economists and businessmen are gathered. For the first time in this forum in Dubai participated well–known diplomat, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine (1990–1994) and (2000–2003), now the president of the Foundation for Support of International Cooperation of Ukraine Mr. Anatoliy Zlenko. Earlier he repeatedly made official visits to the countries of the Gulf, including to the United Arab Emirates. The former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine shared his impressions on participation in the summit “Leaders in Dubai – 2005” with the correspondent of our magazine.

– Mr. Minister, as far as we know, you are not rare guest both in the United Arab Emirates and in other countries of the Gulf, where you have been more than once with the visits as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. I would like to know what the plans of Ukraine concerning this region are and what its motives are for representing its interests in the countries of the Gulf?

– To say frankly, our interests are conditioned, first of all, by the necessity of establishment and development of mutually beneficial cooperation with these countries in the most various fields. The spheres of commercial and economical, scientific and technical and humanitarian collaboration deserve particular attention. Establishment of diplomatic relations with these states and soon opening of our diplomatic missions promoted solution of many practical questions that are of real interest both for Arabian and Ukrainian side. The visits of the President, Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and other high–ranking official persons of Ukraine became landmarks in promotion of interests of our state in this region. In particular, these visits gave a significant incentive to development of bilateral relations and their gradual transformation into friendly and partnership relations. It is nice to mention the fact that from the very beginning of political contacts of our representatives the leaders of this region showed keen interest in establishment of collaboration with Ukraine. Obviously, there is no necessity to attract attention to description of specific fields. In general, we may sat that during these years Ukraine became welcome country, the interest in it is constantly growing, the evidence of which is an annual increase of trade turnover, there is diversification of various spheres of collaboration, permanent diplomatic dialogue. We also may assert that the potential of Ukraine in the fields of industry, science and engineering, in farming industry always were of interest for these countries. At the same time, the experience of the Gulf states in a number of fields of development, their wealth of energy carriers cannot but attract attention. In other words, mutual interest is the basis for maintenance and development of our relations.

–When you have been visiting these countries, you had to negotiate on a wide range of questions, including international problems. Needless to say that the subjects of negotiation were questions of international policy, of current importance, of course, at that moment, and being of interest for each of the parties. Is it possible to say that the positions of Ukraine and the Gulf countries coincided or were similar?

–First of all, I would like to say that my colleagues and I appreciate all that we made. We established very friendly relations that were based on confidence and deep respect. I had a great honour to sign corresponding protocols on establishment of diplomatic relations with the majority of the countries of this region. Since at that period the perspectives of relations between Ukraine and these states just became to open, naturally, the documents signed had historical significance and the credit was given in particular for that personality who was at the origins of international relations.

I had to meet with my colleagues from the Middle East countries and at the sessions of UN General Assembly. It is an excellent place for meetings and negotiations. As a matter of fact, in the headquarters of the World Forum the first contacts were established. I would like to take advantage of this opportunity and to give due to my colleagues from Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and other countries. I cannot but express my satisfaction with the meetings with the King of Saudi Arabia, Sultan of Oman, Emir of Qatar, the Prime Minister of Kuwait, the president of the United Arab Emirates, the leader of Bahrain. I should note that Ukrainian representatives were always welcome guests, which gave possibility to carry out constructive negotiations and achieve mutually acceptable agreements.

– Mr. Zlenko, not long ago you were in the United Arab Emirates in a new capacity. What most of all remained in your memory in the Emirates or, say, made an unforgettable impression on you?

–Every time I come to this country, I discover for myself something new and unforgettable. One is staggered with the growing scale of building industry. The United Arab Emirates, and in particular, Dubai, experience real building boom. The construction pace and originality of architectural ideas catch one’s eye. The country is a flourishing megapolis, it develops quite rapidly. It is praiseworthy that the unique offers createthe demand, they contribute to investments into various spheres. And successful functioning of Jebel Ali Free Zone deserves particular attention – we can use this experience for our own free economic zones, which are to be restored in Ukraine. I hope that the agreement signed in December 2005 between Free Economic Zone Jebel Ali and Ukrainian company Investment and Privatization Assistance Fund will be very useful in the sense of orientation to advanced standards used in the work of Free Economic Zones of the Arab Emirates and, what is not less important – organization of direct work of our economical zones based on these standards. I have had an occasion to make some distance in a helicopter – from Abu Dabi to the residence of the late President of the United Arab Emirates. This short flight allowed me to take a closer look at the country and make sure once more how rapidly it is developing, introducing the most modern technologies into production and developing new desert territories for the welfare of own people.

Contacts with the representatives of the Emirates and growing work experience of our specialists in this direction convince of the fact that the number of positive tendencies in bilateral relations aimed at mutually beneficial interests is increasing. In this country works experienced Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary. Ambassador of Ukraine, excellent specialist in Arabic culture by his professional training – Yevgen Mykytenko. It is extremely important from the point of view of knowledge of particularities of a region, traditions and culture of Arabian peoples. I know that in the course of the last years there is dynamic growth of our relations: the trade volume is increasing significantly, the contacts between the representatives of Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates became more frequent, the tourist exchange is growing, interesting round tables and conferences on economical and trade issues are held. Moreover, Ukraine participates in various exhibitions, represents with dignity the samples of its products in well–known air shows. It is hard to count everything, but the main thing that the relations between two countries are developing increasingly. And this means that intergovernmental relations are promising.

– You were invited and participated in economic forum “Leaders in Dubai – 2005”. What are your impressions of this event?

–You know, I had occasion to participate in many international forums, including in Davos, in the forum “Cran Montana”, not to mention political conferences, seminars, meetings, etc. However, if to say about the meeting in Dubai, one cannot but note, first of all, representative nature and large scale of this event. The forum gathered well–known people from all over the world. Among main speakers was the former President of USA Bill Clinton, the President of the South African Republic Frederic de Clerc, the Prime Minister of Malaysia Makhatir Bin Mohammad, the Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, as well as the leaders of the world business, well–known companies and non–governmental organizations. It was interesting for me to listen to many speakers, who touched upon pressing problems of the world economy risks, stock markets, investment policy. And the main thing is competence and professionalism of the experts, who gave answers to questions on key subjects of the economy.

–Have you had the possibility to communicate with the participants of the forum?

–The participation in Dubai forum was extremely useful. On the one hand, to use such possibility for self–adaptation to the forum problems, and on the other hand, to refresh own modest knowledge of economic questions and receive new information about modern tendencies of economical development in contemporary globalized world. The forum gave possibility to meet with my old acquaintances, establish contacts with new people, and, in addition, to communicate usefully.

By the way, in the course of such contacts, great interest was shown in Ukraine. This interest meant an intention to develop cooperation and obtain more information about economical situation, prospects of country development, organization of its banking system, financial and investment policy. Such meetings took place with the representatives of the countries of Middle East, Asian–Pacific region, USA and Europe.

I have had pleasant impression of the meeting with Madeleine Albright. It was pleasant for both of us to remember the times of work in the UN as representatives of our countries and, of course, as former ministers of foreign affairs. The subject of the conversation was the theme related to the activity of the UN as the organ of collective security, its investment possibilities, struggle with new challenges and threats, etc. The former Secretary of State was interested in all that happens in Ukraine, especially after the Orange Revolution. By the way, Madeleine Albright is not indifferent to our country for a long ago, she wishes Ukraine prosperity, democratic development and she is ready in her new capacity to continue cooperation. As the President of the National Democratic Institute on international affairs, she remains very attentive to democratic processes in post–soviet area and she would like democratic and economical reforms to be successfully realized in Ukraine.

To say on the whole about the forum of the leaders in Dubai, I would like to note that such economic meetings have great importance for the economists. It is a kind of well of knowledge where the latest information on economical situation in the world is received and necessary experience obtained, which is highly useful for each participant representing his country, company, concern, firm, brand or organization.

– Mr. Zlenko, I have an impression that you have a kind of special attitude to the Gulf region. Is it true?

–Yes, it quite so. By nature, I am creator, and I like everything that is being created with such constructive pathos. And if somewhere appears something special that does not leave me indifferent, I am delighted with that and give objective appraisal of what is happening, expressing at the same time my emotions. It is a simple human philosophy. Isn’t it? If the countries of the Middle Eastern region with their a bit more than thirty–year history of independent development pass such a creative way of formation, there is nothing else left but to admire. This example is worthy of imitation.