Three African countries to stop accrediting non-resident ambassadors via Moscow — Sibikha

This was announced by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Sybiha in an interview with Ukrinform during his participation in the Antalya Diplomatic Forum.

“If we talk about specific results, it is important that we now have decisions by at least three African countries to stop accrediting their [non-resident] ambassadors through Moscow. This will change. This is a shameful practice. As a result, our bilateral relations will strengthen and become more intense,” Sibikha noted.

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Sibikha stressed that despite the ongoing conflict, Ukraine has closed nine embassies across the African continent.

“We will continue to expand our presence in Africa because it is mutually beneficial. I come back with a clear understanding of the specific areas that we will develop,” he added.

As part of the Diplomatic Forum in Antalya, the Ukrainian diplomat held more than 20 meetings, many of which were with foreign ministers and other high-profile representatives of African countries.

On the sidelines of the forum, Sibiha held talks with delegations from Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, Benin, Tunisia, Rwanda and Mozambique. He also met earlier with the foreign ministers of Anga, Tanzania and Sierra Leone.

Ukraine and Somalia also signed a protocol on the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two states.

Photo: AA