Algeria expresses solidarity with the Ukrainian people, who are suffering from the war, and advocates for a just and lasting peace based on international law and the principles of the UN Charter, said Ahmed Ouail, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria to Ukraine.
According to a correspondent for the “Interfax-Ukraine” news agency, the diplomat made these remarks during a ceremonial reception held on November 3 in Kyiv to mark the 72nd anniversary of the start of the Algerian Revolution on November 1, 1954. The event was attended by representatives of the Ukrainian government, the diplomatic corps, and the public.
“At this solemn moment, I would like to express our complete solidarity with the Ukrainian people, who endured immense suffering and hardship during this war. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this unspeakable human tragedy,” the ambassador said.
According to him, Algeria’s historical experience—having fought a long struggle for independence—has shaped the fundamental principles of the country’s foreign policy, particularly respect for sovereignty, the right of peoples to self-determination, international law, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.
“Today, as we mark this anniversary on Ukrainian soil, these values take on a very special, poignant significance. Because we truly know from our own history what the hardships of war, death, and the suffering of families really mean,” Wael emphasized.
The diplomat stressed that Algeria has traditionally favored political and diplomatic mechanisms for resolving international conflicts.
“Our country remains convinced that a political and diplomatic solution, based on the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, is the best path to a just and lasting peace. Even under the most difficult circumstances, diplomacy must always have its place, and hope for peace must never fade,” the ambassador stated.
In his remarks, he paid special attention to the development of bilateral relations between Ukraine and Algeria, which have maintained diplomatic ties since 1992.
According to Uail, economic and trade cooperation remains one of the key areas of interaction between the two countries.
The ambassador reported that, according to the latest data available to him, the volume of bilateral trade amounted to approximately $763 million, though he did not specify the reporting period. Algeria is a significant market for Ukrainian agricultural products, primarily wheat, while Ukraine imports energy resources and chemical products from Algeria.
“Since the establishment of our diplomatic relations in 1992, our two countries have developed ties that deserve to be preserved and strengthened today for the mutual benefit of both friendly nations,” the diplomat noted.
He concluded his remarks by wishing peace for Ukraine and the further strengthening of friendship between the two peoples.
The Algerian Revolution began on November 1, 1954, and marked the start of the national liberation struggle against French colonial rule. After nearly eight years of war, Algeria gained independence on July 5, 1962. The anniversary of the revolution’s start on November 1 is one of the country’s major national holidays.
The People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria recognized Ukraine’s independence on December 27, 1991. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were officially established on August 20, 1992, with the signing of a bilateral protocol.
The Algerian Embassy in Kyiv was opened in 1992. The first Algerian ambassador, Belramoul Kamerzerman, presented his credentials to Ukrainian President Leonid Kravchuk on November 16, 1992. The Ukrainian Embassy in Algeria began operations in November 1999.
Algeria’s economic importance to Ukraine is confirmed by foreign trade figures for the first half of 2026. According to a study by the Experts Club Information and Analytical Center, published on July 16, 2026, Algeria ranked fourth among Ukraine’s largest trading partners in terms of the trade surplus in goods in favor of Ukraine.
According to calculations by Experts Club, Ukraine’s trade surplus with Algeria in January–June 2026 amounted to $309.2 million. Ukrainian exports to Algeria reached approximately $388.6 million, while imports from Algeria totaled about $79.3 million.
In terms of the size of the trade surplus, Algeria was surpassed only by Spain ($578.1 million), Egypt ($527.1 million), and Moldova ($467.2 million). At the same time, according to Experts Club, Ukraine had a trade surplus with only 13 of its 50 largest trading partners, which underscores the importance of the Algerian market for Ukrainian exporters amid a significant overall foreign trade deficit.
Algeria remains one of the key destinations for Ukrainian agricultural exports to North Africa. Maintaining and expanding access to this market is important for foreign exchange earnings, the diversification of Ukraine’s export markets, and the development of trade and economic cooperation with African countries.
Ukraine has officially been granted sectoral partner status in the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), which brings together 18 states and territories in the Pacific region. The decision was made by the organization’s leaders at the 55th summit in Palau, held from August 30 to September 4, 2026, the Ukrainian Embassy in Australia reported on October 25.
According to the diplomatic mission’s statement, the Forum Secretariat sent an official notification confirming Ukraine’s inclusion in the Sectoral Partnership Stream.
This decision was the result of more than three years of diplomatic efforts aimed at expanding Ukraine’s relations with the states of Oceania and regional international organizations.
The new status provides for the possibility of regular political dialogue with Forum member states, particularly within the framework of the organization’s annual meetings of foreign ministers with international partners (Forum Foreign Ministers–Forum Partners Dialogue).
In addition, Ukraine and the Forum will be able to develop a joint cooperation plan in areas of mutual interest.
Kyiv has identified food security, digital governance, education, and climate change adaptation as priority areas.
In particular, developing cooperation in the area of food security could create additional opportunities for Ukrainian agricultural and food producers. Countries in the Pacific region are interested in increasing the resilience of food supplies, as many island economies are heavily dependent on imports.
Another promising area is the exchange of Ukraine’s experience in the digitization of public services and the development of e-governance.
In the field of education, this new format of cooperation could facilitate academic exchanges, joint research programs, and the training of specialists.
However, the embassy’s statement did not announce any specific trade agreements, investment projects, or financial commitments. Ukrainian diplomacy attaches particular importance to cooperation with the states of Oceania on issues of international law, compliance with the UN Charter, and the protection of states’ sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The embassy emphasized Ukraine’s interest in strengthening international support for the principle that state borders cannot be altered by force.
Ukraine also expressed its gratitude to the leadership of the Forum Secretariat and to all 18 member states and territories of the organization for supporting the decision to grant the new status.
The Pacific Islands Forum was established in 1971 under the name South Pacific Forum. In 2000, the organization adopted its current name. Its headquarters are located in Suva, the capital of Fiji.
The Forum’s members include Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, Tuvalu, Palau, the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Cook Islands, Niue, as well as French Polynesia and New Caledonia.
The organization addresses issues of regional economic integration, trade, climate change, sustainable development, and security. One of its key strategic documents is the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
At the 2026 summit, member states approved an updated mechanism for engaging with international partners, which divides cooperation into strategic and sectoral areas.
Ukraine’s attainment of sectoral status creates an institutional framework for long-term cooperation with the nations of Oceania; however, it does not mean that the country has joined the Forum as a full member.
Source: Embassy of Ukraine in Australia, official statement dated October 25, 2026.
DIPLOMACY, FOOD SECURITY, international cooperation, Oceania, UKRAINE
Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Marcin Bosacki stated that the Ukrainian side had promised to revoke the Lviv Regional Council’s decision to declare 2027 the Year of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), Roman Shukhevych, and Oleg Olzhych, according to Polsat News.
The resolution was adopted on Tuesday during a plenary session of the Lviv Regional Council; however, the announcement has since been removed from the council’s website.
Bosacki reported that the Polish side had received assurances from officials in the Ukrainian president’s office that the Lviv Regional Council’s resolution would not take effect. He emphasized that following Poland’s intervention, the resolution on this matter was removed from the council’s website.
“The resolution is no longer on this website, so that gives us hope. We take the Ukrainian authorities at their word and expect them to fulfill these promises,” he said.
South Korea has decided to recall some of the staff at its embassy in Ukraine amid a diplomatic conflict over the handover of two North Korean prisoners of war to Seoul. The reasons for this decision, according to the South Korean side, were Kyiv’s failure to provide a constructive response to Seoul’s demands, as well as the intensification of Russian airstrikes on Ukrainian territory, said Park Doo-soon, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, on October 20, 2026.
According to the South Korean news agency Yonhap, the decision was made several weeks after Seoul recalled its ambassador to Ukraine, Park Ki-chan, in protest against the public disclosure of information regarding the transfer of the two DPRK servicemen.
“We have communicated our position to Ukraine through various channels. However, despite these efforts, Ukraine has not taken any positive steps,” stated the South Korean Foreign Ministry spokesperson.
According to him, the decision to reduce diplomatic staff is aimed at facilitating the resolution of differences and restoring trust between the two countries.
At the same time, South Korea does not intend to close its embassy in Kyiv or sever diplomatic relations with Ukraine. The chargé d’affaires and all consular staff will remain in the country to continue maintaining contact with Ukrainian authorities and ensuring the protection of South Korean citizens.
The exact number of diplomats being recalled has not been officially disclosed. However, according to Yonhap, citing South Korean officials, about half of the diplomatic mission’s staff may leave Ukraine.
The dangerous situation in Ukraine has been cited as an additional reason for this decision. The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that ongoing Russian missile and drone attacks are making it difficult to ensure the safety of embassy staff.
Currently, there are about 85 citizens of the Republic of Korea in Ukraine. Diplomatic staff are to assist those who wish to evacuate to neighboring countries. South Korean authorities maintain the highest, fourth-level travel warning for the entire territory of Ukraine.
A diplomatic conflict between Kyiv and Seoul arose following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s address to the UN General Assembly on September 23, 2026, when he publicly announced the handover to South Korea of two North Korean soldiers who had been taken prisoner by Ukraine.
Both North Korean soldiers were captured by Ukrainian forces in January 2025 during combat operations against Russian forces in the Kursk region. According to South Korean authorities, they arrived in the Republic of Korea in mid-September 2026.
Seoul asserts that there was an agreement between the two countries regarding the confidentiality of the prisoners’ transfer, which was necessary to ensure the safety of the soldiers themselves and their relatives who remain in North Korea.
Following the Ukrainian president’s public statement, the South Korean government demanded official explanations, an apology, and guarantees that such situations would not occur in the future.
At the same time, the Ukrainian side disputes Seoul’s interpretation of the agreements reached. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga previously stated that Kyiv had fulfilled all its obligations, and that the disagreements stem from differing interpretations of the confidentiality terms.
According to Reuters, the Ukrainian minister said last week that he considers the matter closed. Meanwhile, the South Korean Foreign Ministry stated that the explanations received from Kyiv did not satisfy Seoul.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun previously confirmed receiving a personal message from Sibiga containing an apology, but noted that it did not meet the South Korean side’s expectations.
Despite the differences, both countries maintain diplomatic ties. Seoul emphasizes that it hopes to resolve the conflict through further consultations.
South Korea is one of Ukraine’s Asian partners and provides it with humanitarian aid, participates in international support programs, and discusses post-war reconstruction projects. In June 2026, the foreign ministers of both countries agreed to seek a solution to the issue of North Korean prisoners of war, taking into account their voluntary choice, international law, and humanitarian principles.
Sources: Yonhap, South Korean Foreign Ministry statement dated October 20, 2026
DIPLOMACY, North Korea, prisoner of war, SOUTH KOREA, UKRAINE
Vietnam has provided Ukraine with a new package of humanitarian aid worth $500,000, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga announced on October 20, 2026. This is the second aid package of this size announced by Vietnam since the start of Russia’s full-scale aggression.
“We deeply appreciate this significant gesture of goodwill, compassion, and solidarity with the Ukrainian people during these difficult times. It is especially timely on the eve of winter,” the head of Ukraine’s foreign ministry wrote on the social media platform X.
Details regarding the distribution of the new package—specifically concerning the humanitarian programs and organizations through which the funds will be channeled—have not yet been disclosed.
Earlier, in May 2022, the Vietnamese government announced that it would provide Ukraine with $500,000 in humanitarian aid. The decision was made in response to a call by the United Nations to support populations affected by the war.
According to an official statement from the Vietnamese government dated May 12, 2022, $100,000 of this amount was allocated to the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), $100,000 to the World Health Organization (WHO), and another $100,000 to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The remaining $200,000 was allocated through the Vietnamese Red Cross to be transferred to the Ukrainian Red Cross and to fund humanitarian efforts.
Thus, the total amount of the two humanitarian aid packages announced by Vietnam for Ukraine in 2022 and 2026 is $1 million.
Vietnam supports humanitarian initiatives by the UN and international organizations aimed at providing assistance to those affected by armed conflicts. A statement by the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in May 2022 also emphasized the need to protect the civilian population, ensure the security of critical infrastructure, and uphold international humanitarian law.
Ukraine and Vietnam have maintained diplomatic relations for over 34 years. Cooperation between the countries encompasses trade, education, science and technology, humanitarian exchanges, and collaboration within international organizations.
Vietnam recognized Ukraine’s independence on December 27, 1991, less than four months after it was proclaimed. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were officially established on January 23, 1992, following the signing of a protocol in Kyiv.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Kyiv began operations in 1993, and the Ukrainian Embassy in Hanoi was opened in 1997. In 1996, the two countries signed the Treaty on the Principles of Relations and Cooperation, which became one of the key documents of the bilateral legal framework.
In January 2027, Ukraine and Vietnam will celebrate the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
DIPLOMACY, HUMANITARIAN AID, international cooperation, UKRAINE, VIETNAM
The Italian Med-Or Foundation and the Hennadiy Udovenko Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at developing cooperation in the field of diplomatic training and international dialogue.
According to reports, the document was signed on October 13 at Med-Or’s headquarters in Rome by the foundation’s president, Marco Minniti, and the director of the Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine, Ihor Ostash.
The agreement provides a foundation for joint initiatives in the field of diplomatic education, as well as expanded opportunities for cooperation between Italy and Ukraine. In particular, the agreement envisages the involvement of Italian and international instructors and experts in the Ukrainian academy’s educational programs.
The Med-Or Foundation already has experience in developing international partnerships in the field of personnel training in Africa and the Middle East.
The signing ceremony was also attended by Alfredo Mantovano, State Secretary to the President of the Council of Ministers of Italy and Security Commissioner of the Republic, and Ihor Brusylo, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Italy.
Med-Or noted that the agreement is part of the foundation’s broader program of activities aimed at developing international cooperation amid a complex international situation.
The signing of the memorandum lays the groundwork for further deepening Ukrainian-Italian ties in the areas of diplomatic education, the exchange of expert knowledge, and the training of specialists in international relations.
