Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called for stronger cooperation with African nations during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum on Friday.
In a series of bilateral meetings, Sybiha thanked counterparts from Gambia, Tunisia, Benin, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Angola, Rwanda, and Somalia for their support of Ukraine’s sovereignty at international platforms.
“This is about common principles,” he told Gambian Foreign Minister Mamadou Tangara, praising Banjul’s move to appoint a non-resident ambassador to Ukraine as a sign of diplomatic respect.
Sybiha highlighted the ripple effects of Russia’s war on Ukraine, particularly its toll on global food systems and Africa’s food security. He stressed that peace in Ukraine would also serve Africa’s broader interests.
In talks with Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti, Sybiha welcomed Tunisia’s pro-Ukraine vote at the UN and reaffirmed a shared commitment to the UN Charter. He also praised Rwanda for its steady dialogue with Kyiv.
Ukraine expressed readiness to boost partnerships in agriculture, education, and technology with Benin, Angola, and Ivory Coast. Sybiha voiced support for development projects such as Angola’s Lobito Corridor and Gambia’s agricultural initiatives.
“We are interested in mutually beneficial cooperation that promotes national self-sufficiency,” he said after meeting Tanzania’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Combo.
A notable milestone came with Somalia, as Sybiha signed a protocol to formalize diplomatic relations and pledged continued support through Ukraine’s Grain from Ukraine initiative.
Sybiha also reaffirmed Ukraine’s desire to build deeper ties with the African Union and extended invitations for official visits to Ukraine.
With warm gestures and firm pledges, Ukraine signaled its long-term commitment to building a resilient partnership with Africa.