Free trade, agrohub and demining: Ukraine and Lebanon agree to strengthen cooperation

Ukraine and Lebanon are starting work on a free trade agreement and plan to create a joint logistics agrohub. In addition to economic issues, the countries have agreed to cooperate in the field of mine action and exchange experience in land reclamation. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture.

The Ukrainian delegation visited Beirut, where it agreed to resume the work of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade Cooperation.

During the meeting, the Minister of Economy and Trade of the Republic of Lebanon, Amer Bisat, noted that Lebanon is interested in expanding the list of goods supplied from Ukraine and proposes to create a regional agrohub on its basis. This will allow for more efficient distribution of food in the Middle East.

“The project of a food and logistics hub in this country is not only about greater trade volumes. It is also about the food security of the region, as Lebanon can become a trade gateway for Ukrainian goods,” said Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine Ihor Bezkaravayny.

A separate block of negotiations was mine action. Ukraine is ready to share its experience in clearing territories and restoring soil after hostilities. The parties discussed the use of drones with sensors to search for explosive objects.

“A regional mine action center is currently being created in Lebanon, where demining specialists from different countries of the Middle East will be trained. Ukraine has proposed that Ukrainian specialists also be able to teach at this Center, share their unique demining experience and contribute to strengthening security in the region,” said Bezkaravayny.

To implement the planned plans, the parties decided to resume the work of the Intergovernmental Ukrainian-Lebanese Commission. This will allow for intergovernmental support for projects in the fields of agriculture, environment, and trade.

Tags: Ukraine, Lebanon