During his visit to the People's Republic of China, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba met with Guangdong Province Governor Wang Weizhong and a delegation of regional officials.
Kuleba praised the advanced development of Guangzhou and Guangdong Province, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation between Ukraine and other countries. He informed the Chinese officials that several European nations have already taken patronage over various Ukrainian cities and regions, contributing to their recovery and development.
The Minister highlighted that such regional cooperation yields tangible benefits for people. He reminded that Guangdong Province has been partnered with Mykolaiv Oblast since 1994 and invited Chinese authorities and businesses to explore opportunities for enhancing regional collaboration.
Guangdong is one of China’s most technologically advanced regions, contributing to 20% of China's GDP and housing around 150 million people.
Kuleba encouraged representatives to visit Mykolaiv and other Ukrainian regions to explore investment opportunities and humanitarian needs. He stressed that Ukraine is keen on reconstruction and development, and regional cooperation could be highly effective in achieving these goals, creating jobs, and improving quality of life.
The Minister also proposed organizing a business forum to facilitate connections between Ukrainian and Chinese companies, identify promising projects, and explore collaboration opportunities.
He noted the significant damage Mykolaiv sustained at the onset of the full-scale Russian invasion but reported that Ukrainian Defense Forces have pushed back the enemy, and the region is now actively rebuilding and developing. There is a high demand for construction, industrial recovery, renewable energy, and other sectors, making it a favorable time for strengthening trade ties.
Governor Wang Weizhong positively acknowledged the prospects of Ukrainian-Chinese regional cooperation and assured Minister Kuleba of his readiness to invigorate interaction with Mykolaiv and consider further engagement with other Ukrainian regions.