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| Ukraine's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Senik speaks during a media briefing at the country's embassy in Yongsan District, central Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap |
By Kwon Mee-yoo
Ukraine's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Senik asked the Korean government and private businesses here to participate in the reconstruction of the country after the Russian invasion, especially to rebuild infrastructure and establish a technological hub.
Senik is visiting Korea from Monday through Wednesday to discuss Korea's cooperation in rebuilding Ukraine. He is the first high-ranking official from Ukraine to make an official visit to Korea since the Russian invasion began in February.
"We sincerely believe that we will win and already started to work on a recovery plan. The success story of Korea building a very successful economy (after the Korean War) is a case study for Ukraine and we look forward to inviting experts from Korea as well as businesses and the government to help us restore Ukraine," Senik said during a media briefing at the country's embassy, Tuesday.
Senik, who arrived Seoul late Monday, had a closed-door meeting with Korea's second vice foreign minister Lee Do-hoon and another meeting with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Tuesday, discussing aid to Ukraine and cooperation for post-war recovery.
"There is no other nation in the world like Korea, which fully understands the pain that Ukraine feels now. During my meetings in Seoul today, I felt sympathy and solidarity coming from our Korean partners and friends," Senik said.
The deputy minister said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy initiated a recovery plan for the country, which not only includes a physical rebuilding of the country following Russia's aggression, but also reimagining the economy and political system of Ukraine.
"We speak about energy efficiency, green technologies, best education, better health care system, et cetera. And the case of the success story of Korea is of paramount importance to us. That's why we invite experts from Korea as well as businesses and the government to take part in this recovery plan," he said.
Senik doubles as the Ukrainian foreign ministry's chief digital transformation officer and is much interested in Korea's advanced digital technologies.
"I think that Korea and Ukraine have complementary economies. We do have resources that are needed for high tech industry and Korea has expertise in infrastructure and construction. We definitely welcome Korean business to participate in the recovery plan for Ukraine. I believe that starting from communications and going all the way to construction, there are a lot of opportunities for Korean business to grow and prosper in Ukraine," he said.
The Ukrainian deputy minister also met with Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy as well as Korean companies which could take part in reconstructing the war-torn country, Wednesday.
Senik said Kyiv is counting on Seoul and expects Korea to become more proactive in supporting Ukraine financially and militarily.
"I had a very successful meeting today with second vice minister Lee and we agreed that we are on the same page on many issues. Ukraine does call on the international community to provide weapons to protect itself from the Russian aggression. And as we all want this war to be over as soon as possible, the sooner we get the necessary military equipment, the sooner the war will end."
Senik appreciated the visit to Ukraine by a Korean parliamentary delegation, led by ruling People Power Party leader Lee Jun-seok, as they could see the atrocities and cruelties of Russian aggression with their own eyes.
"Visits by foreign guests are a much appreciated signal of solidarity with Ukraine. That is why we highly appreciate the visit by the leader of the PPP to Ukraine in this very difficult time," he said.
Despite the difficult situation, Ukraine believes it is high time to shift Ukraine-Korea relations into high gear on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
"The government of Ukraine is keen to discuss and negotiate a free trade agreement with Korea, which will benefit both Ukraine and Korea. So one of the issues was how we can start negotiations on FTA," Senik said.
Senik also had a separate meeting with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, who is also on her visit to Korea, and they discussed security, humanitarian and economic assistance to Ukraine. After leaving Seoul Wednesday, Senik will visit the Philippines and Singapore.
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