Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Australia H.E. Melissa O’rourke
Congratulations to Ukraine on the 100th anniversary of the establishment of its diplomatic service. Since I arrived in Kyiv, I have been impressed by the calibre and professionalism of Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), and appreciative of its support. Ukraine’s Ambassador to Australia, Dr Mykola Kulinich, is a strong advocate for you.
Ukrainian diplomats serve with distinction around the world to advance Ukraine’s interests. They have proven to be reliable and effective partners for Australia, especially in multilateral fora.
This year marks 25 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Australia and Ukraine. In that time, our bilateral ties have gone from strength to strength. A highlight was having President Poroshenko’s visit to Australia in 2014. We are working to expand trade links, cultural exchange and peopletopeople connections. This is underpinned by the active 46,000-strong Ukrainian diaspora in Australia.
I look forward to working in Ukraine, and with its warm and welcoming people, to take our bilateral relationship to new heights. I am sure Ukraine’s MFA will bring the same enthusiasm and dedication to working with Australia as they have displayed across the history of their diplomacy.
