The Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Ukraine, together with the Institute for Foreign Policy Studies, held a round table on “The Updated Foreign Policy of the Republic of Uzbekistan.” The event was attended by diplomats, experts, and analysts. Participants discussed the transformation of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy against the backdrop of global turbulence, growing interstate conflicts, and the restructuring of the international relations system.
It was noted that under the presidency of Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Tashkent is stepping up its international activity and consistently forming new areas of cooperation, paying attention to strengthening good neighborliness and trust in Central Asia, developing multi-vector political and economic ties, and diversifying trade and investment.
Other priorities included expanding cooperation in the areas of transport and logistics, green energy, water management, and the climate agenda. The participants emphasized the practical effectiveness of economic diplomacy and the growth of Uzbekistan’s interaction with international organizations, noting the holding of major international events in the country under the auspices of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and UNESCO.
A separate section of the discussion was devoted to Uzbekistan’s cooperation with the European Union. Experts pointed to the convergence of interests between the parties on issues of energy security, sustainable transport corridors, the green economy, water management, as well as educational and humanitarian programs, emphasizing Uzbekistan’s role as one of the EU’s key partners in Central Asia.
The cultural and humanitarian component of foreign policy was also discussed, including the development of cultural diplomacy and tourism as tools for strengthening the country’s positive international image and “soft power.”
At the end of the round table, participants described Uzbekistan’s foreign policy as open, pragmatic, and predictable, based on internal modernization and a reform agenda.
The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia held a reception to mark the return of the diplomatic mission to Kyiv and the opening of new premises at 48 Bohdan Khmelnytsky Street. The event brought together diplomats, representatives of government agencies, business and academic circles of Ukraine.
During his speech, Serbian Ambassador to Ukraine Andon Sapundzi emphasized that the opening of the embassy symbolizes “Serbia’s return to Kyiv” and the resumption of active cooperation between the two countries.
“Our workspace is not yet complete, but I wanted to share this joy with you right now — Serbia is back!” he said, addressing the guests.
In his speech, the diplomat emphasized the deep historical ties between the Ukrainian and Serbian peoples. In particular, in the 18th century, more than 50,000 Serbs settled in the territory of modern Ukraine — near Bakhmut and in the Kirovohrad region, founding Slavianoserbia and New Serbia. At the same time, as early as the 17th century, Ukrainians migrated to Serbia, mainly to Vojvodina.
The ambassador also noted that since the start of the full-scale invasion, more than 100,000 Ukrainians have found refuge in Serbia, set up companies there, and their children have begun to learn Serbian.
Serbia provides humanitarian aid to Ukraine, including projects to build underground kindergartens near the front line, supplies equipment for energy infrastructure, and organizes educational programs for children from Sumy and Kharkiv.
Special mention was made of Serbian language teachers and students who maintained scientific and cultural ties between the countries even during the most difficult years of the war.
“We are here to live, work, and share everything with you, our dear Ukrainian friends,” the ambassador concluded his speech.
Ukraine and Serbia (then SFRY) established diplomatic relations on April 15, 1994. The Serbian Embassy in Kyiv began operating in 1995, but in 2022 it temporarily suspended its activities due to the security situation. In the fall of 2025, the diplomatic mission officially resumed its work in Kyiv at 48 Bohdan Khmelnytsky Street. The Ukrainian Embassy in Belgrade has been operating since 1995.
The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Ukraine, together with the National Academy of Culture and Arts Management (NAKAKIM), held a formal reception in Kyiv to mark National Batik Day, recognized by UNESCO as part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
The event was attended by about 150 guests, including representatives of the diplomatic corps, government authorities, students, and the scientific community.
In his welcoming speech, Arif Muhammad Basalamah, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Indonesia to Ukraine, noted that batik is not just a fabric, but a cultural heritage that embodies the history, values, and identity of the Indonesian people.
“Batik is a story of harmony, creativity, and wisdom passed down through generations. By wearing batik, we carry within ourselves values and identity that have been nurtured for centuries,” the diplomat emphasized.
NAKKKiM Rector Valery Marchenko congratulated the Indonesian delegation and awarded the ambassador the title of Honorary Professor of the Academy, noting the importance of cultural exchange and further development of academic cooperation.
The program of the celebration included a presentation on batik, dance and vocal performances by students, as well as the performance of the national anthems of Indonesia and Ukraine on the Ukrainian bandura. An exhibition of batik and the tools used to create it was organized in the university lobby. The event concluded with a tasting of traditional Indonesian dishes—nasi goreng, mie goreng, bakwan, and kue lumpur.
Diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Indonesia were established on June 5, 1992. The Ukrainian Embassy in Jakarta opened in 1995, and the Indonesian Embassy in Kyiv began operating in 1994.
In recent years, the countries have also been developing cooperation in the fields of education, culture, and tourism. In 2024–2025, Indonesia signed two protocols on market access for Ukrainian products — peas and aquatic biological resources — which should stimulate further growth in trade in agricultural products.
The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Ukraine organized a formal reception in Kyiv to mark the 76th anniversary of the founding of the PRC. The event was attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps, Ukrainian authorities, business circles, and the Chinese diaspora.
In his welcoming speech, Chinese Ambassador to Ukraine Ma Shengkun emphasized that China has gone from being a post-conflict state to the world’s second largest economy, and today strives for “high-quality development” and global cooperation. “We have built a society of universal prosperity, lifted 800 million people out of poverty, and created the world’s largest education, healthcare, and social security systems,” he said.
The diplomat noted that between 2021 and 2024, China’s GDP grew by an average of 5.5% per year, and China’s economy is expected to exceed US$19.5 trillion in 2025. Ma Shenkun also mentioned successes in the field of high technology: the development of 5G infrastructure, electric vehicles, space and quantum projects.
He stressed that China and Ukraine are strategic partners: “Our cooperation is based on the principles of mutual respect, mutual benefit and sustainable development. In 2025, we have already signed two protocols on the export of Ukrainian peas and water resources to China.”
In addition, the ambassador expressed understanding for the challenges Ukraine faces today and assured that China will continue to advocate for a ceasefire and the promotion of a peaceful settlement.
During the reception, toasts were made to strengthen Sino-Ukrainian friendship, and cultural performances and exhibitions reflecting the cultural heritage of both countries were presented.
Ma Shengkun took office as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Ukraine on November 26, 2024.
Diplomatic relations between Ukraine and China were established on January 4, 1992. The Chinese Embassy in Kyiv began operating in December 1992.
Ukraine will soon open four new embassies in Latin America—in the Dominican Republic, Panama, Uruguay, and Ecuador, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga said following his participation in the High-Level Dialogue between the Council of Ministers of the Association of Caribbean States and ACS Observer States in New York. According to the Foreign Ministry’s press service, the minister spoke about Ukraine’s desire to expand cooperation in Latin America and the Caribbean, in particular to open new embassies in the Dominican Republic, Panama, Uruguay, and Ecuador. The foreign minister proposed holding the first Ukraine-Caribbean summit to develop cooperation. He also assured the Caribbean Community of Ukraine’s interest in participating in further activities of the Caribbean Community at all levels.
Sybiga also stated Ukraine’s readiness to share with the Caribbean countries its unique experience of resilience gained during the war, particularly in the defense and technology sectors. The minister emphasized that
Ukraine possesses unique unmanned technologies, including marine and underwater drones, which can be used for both defense and civilian purposes, particularly in agriculture, patrolling, and other areas.
The Foreign Minister announced Ukraine’s readiness to discuss the possibility of joint research with Caribbean countries in the fight against climate change. Ukraine shares the urgency of overcoming the climate crisis and has unique opportunities for Antarctic research. These include, in particular, the Akademik Vernadsky station and the Noosfera icebreaker.
The Embassy of the United Mexican States in Ukraine held a formal diplomatic reception in Kyiv to mark the 215th anniversary of Mexican Independence Day. The event took place at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
In his speech, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mexico to Ukraine, Audensio Contreras Gonzalez, emphasized the significance of this holiday for the Mexican people and thanked the Ukrainian authorities and diplomatic corps for their assistance in developing bilateral relations.
“Mexico highly values its friendship and cooperation with Ukraine. Our foreign policy is based on respect for the right of peoples to self-determination, peaceful settlement of disputes, non-interference, and international cooperation,” the diplomat stressed.
He also noted that more than three years after the start of the war in Ukraine, Mexico hopes to intensify diplomatic efforts that will allow the conflict to be resolved through negotiations.
The ambassador stressed that bilateral relations between Mexico and Ukraine are developing in the areas of trade, investment, culture, and education, and that the countries are striving to further strengthen them. “May the friendship between Mexico and Ukraine continue to grow stronger, and may our partnership contribute to a future filled with mutual understanding, cooperation, and prosperity,” he said.
Mexico recognized Ukraine’s independence on December 24, 1991. Diplomatic relations between the countries were established on January 14, 1992.
The Embassy of Ukraine in Mexico opened in 1997, and the Embassy of Mexico in Ukraine opened in 2005.
The current Mexican ambassador to Ukraine, Audensio Contreras Gonzalez, presented his credentials to the President of Ukraine on August 16, 2024 (copies of the credentials were presented on June 18, 2024).
