December 26, 2024 Israel and Ukraine celebrate 33 years of diplomatic relations. A history of mutual assistance, cultural ties and important steps towards a common future.

December 1, 1991 the majority of Ukrainian citizens, including representatives of the Jewish community, voted for the country's independence. Israel became one of the first countries to recognize the independence of Ukraine – this happened December 25, 1991.

Within a day, December 26diplomatic relations were established between the countries.

The Ukrainian Embassy in Israel was opened in October 1992, and the Israeli Embassy in Ukraine was opened in early 1993.

December 26, 2024 is a landmark date for two countries connected by a common history and mutual respect. This day marks 33 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and Ukraine.

Ambassador of Israel to Ukraine emphasized the importance of this day:

“Today we celebrate the 33rd anniversary of diplomatic relations between Israel and Ukraine. Over the years, our countries have built a strong foundation of partnership based on common values, historical heritage and a desire for peace.

33 years of diplomatic relations and more than one century of common history, intertwined with traditions, culture and even challenges.

May our friendship continue to flourish for the benefit of both countries.”

At the level of heads of state

source 0 Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine:

1. September 2023 – meeting of the President of Ukraine V. Zelensky with the Prime Minister of Israel B. Netanyahu in New York within the framework of the UN General Assembly.
2. January 23-24, 2020 – working visit of the President of Ukraine V. Zelensky to the State of Israel.
3. August 18-20, 2019 – official visit of Israeli Prime Minister B. Netanyahu to Ukraine.
4. January 20-21, 2019 – official visit of the President of Ukraine P. Poroshenko to Israel.
5. January 24, 2018 – meeting of the President of Ukraine P. Poroshenko with the Prime Minister of Israel B. Netanyahu at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
6. September 29-30, 2016 – working visit of the President of Ukraine P. Poroshenko to Israel. As part of the visit, meetings were held with the President of Israel R. Rivlin and Prime Minister B. Netanyahu.
7. September 27-28, 2016 – state visit of Israeli President R. Rivlin to Ukraine.
8. December 22-23, 2015 – state visit of the President of Ukraine P. Poroshenko together with his wife to Israel.
9. November 30 – December 1, 2011 – state visit of the President of Ukraine V. Yanukovych to Israel.
10. November 23-26, 2010 – state visit of Israeli President Sh. Peres to Ukraine.
11. September 22, 2010 – meeting of the President of Ukraine V. Yanukovych with the President of Israel Sh. Peres at the UN General Assembly.
12. September 15-16, 2011 – participation of Israeli President Sh. Peres in the Yalta YES Forum.
13. September 20, 2013 – participation of Israeli President Sh. Peres in the Yalta YES Conference.
14. May 13, 2008 – working visit of the President of Ukraine V. Yushchenko to Israel.
15. November 13-15, 2007 – state visit of the President of Ukraine V. Yushchenko to Israel.
16. September 2006 – meeting of the President of Ukraine V. Yushchenko with the President of Israel M. Katsav at the forum in memory of the victims of the tragedy at Babyn Yar in Kyiv.
17. February 2005 – meeting of the President of Ukraine V. Yushchenko with the President of Israel M. Katsav in Poland on the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.
18. January 2001 – visit of Israeli President M. Katsav to Ukraine.
19. January 5-9, 2000 – the second visit of the President of Ukraine L. Kuchma to Israel.
20. November 24-26, 1996 – state visit of the President of Ukraine L. Kuchma to Israel.
21. January 11-13, 1993 – visit of the President of Ukraine L. Kravchuk to Israel.

Cultural and social achievements:

• • Since 1994, friendship associations have been operating in the parliaments of the two countries: “Ukraine – Israel” and “Israel – Ukraine”.
  • In 2011, a visa-free regime was introduced, which significantly simplified contacts between citizens of the two countries.

Common historical roots and cultural ties

The history of the Ukrainian and Jewish peoples is closely intertwined. Both peoples experienced:

• Centuries of deprivation of the opportunity to create their own states.
• The horrors of Stalin's repressions.
• Tragedies of the Second World War.

Ukraine, being one of the founders of the UN, supported the creation of a Jewish state. In turn, Israel has been actively promoting the establishment of independent Ukraine since 1991.

Demographics and migration:

• More than 500 thousand immigrants from Ukrainemost of whom moved in the 1990s.
• Approximately 35,000 ethnic Ukrainiansmembers of mixed families live and work in Israel.

Conclusion: 33 years of friendship and partnership

33 years of diplomatic relations between Israel and Ukraine is not just a date. It is a symbol of unity, mutual understanding and the desire for a common future.

As the Israeli Ambassador to Ukraine noted:

“Our friendship should flourish for the benefit of both countries.”

The future of Ukrainian-Israeli relations depends on us. And this future is bright and promising.

……………….

Leave a comment on WhatsApp – channel NAnewstarget="_blank" href="https://t.me/agencynikk" rel="nofollow noopener">Leave a comment on Telegram – channel NAnews ↓ — Israel News