PETALING JAYA, Aug 4 — Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko is in the country on an official three-day visit – the first Ukraine head of state to do so.
Poroshenko will meet Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and business representatives as part of talks aimed at enhancing bilateral ties between the two countries.
The most anticipated item on the agenda is expected to be discussions on Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17. The two leaders are expected to discuss the tragedy at length.
A spokesman for Wisma Putra confirmed the visit and said the president is also expected to ink two pacts: One on security and another on trade issues.
“He will be accompanied by his wife Maryna, senior ministers and a business delegation.
“The visit is expected to elevate bilateral relations between Malaysia and Ukraine and will be an opportunity to exchange views on issues of concern to both nations.”
The first day is expected to see a limited free trade agreement on the tax regimes between the two countries aimed at eliminating double taxation to better facilitate trade.
Poroshenko, who will be accompanied by industry representatives, will oversee a joint Ukraine-Malaysia business forum at the Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation headquarters on the second day.
There are over 1,000 Malaysian students in Ukraine, most of whom study medicine at universities in the capital Kiev, but this is a steep decline from the thousands studying there before the coup in 2014.There are over 1,000 Malaysian students in Ukraine, most of whom study medicine at universities in the capital Kiev, but this is a steep decline from the thousands studying there before the coup in 2014.
The Poroshenko regime is seeking to build ties and be recognised internationally and has blamed Russia for its faltering economy.
Bilateral ties between Malaysia and Ukraine are expected to bring much needed revenue to the country’s imports and heavy industries which have drastically slowed in the after math ofthe coup.
The Malaysian visit will be followed by a stopover in Jakarta from tomorrow to Sunday.
Modern Ukraine gained independence when the Soviet Union was dissolved in 1991 and Malaysia was among the first country to recognise Ukraine as an independent stateestablishing diplomatic ties the following year.
Ukraine is a major producer and exporter of wheat, and is called “the bread basket of Europe”, having produced 25 per cent of all agricultural produce during Soviet times and is currently a top exporter of grain and sugar.
The country is also a major exporter of heavy machineries, having a large and capable industrial base since the Soviet era. MALAY MAIL ONLINE
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