(MENAFN- Jordan Times) Ukraine appreciates the role Jordan plays in the region and is eager to continue building on its already strong ties with the Kingdom, Ukrainian Ambassador to Jordan Serhiy Pasko said this week.
Speaking to journalists on the occasion of Ukraine's 16th Constitution Day, observed on June 28, the ambassador noted that Jordan had managed to maintain stability in a volatile region and highlighted his government's keenness to enhance cooperation following Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych's visit in April.
During his visit, which marked the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Jordan and Ukraine, Yanukovych held talks with His Majesty King Abdullah and inaugurated the Jordanian-Ukrainian Businessmen's Forum.
"The visit contributed to boosting the distinguished relations between Amman and Kiev," Pasko said. "My government highly appreciates the diplomatic role Jordan is playing in spreading the culture of democracy and freedom of expression in the region, as well as the peace process."
"We have signed 18 agreements covering different scopes of cooperation between our two countries," the ambassador noted, adding that the Ukrainian government is especially interested in boosting economic cooperation.
The embassy, he said, is facilitating visa issuance for Jordanians seeking to visit Ukraine, whose numbers increased by 27.2 per cent last year compared with 2010. Also last year, the embassy issued nearly 700 visas to Jordanian students seeking to study at Ukrainian universities.
As for Ukrainian tourists, Pasko told reporters that between 5,000 and 6,000 visit Jordan each year.
"Jordan is a very beautiful country and the people here are very generous and welcoming. For many Ukrainians, the Kingdom is considered a very important tourism destination."
Trade volume between the two countries exceeded $440 million last year, the ambassador added, noting that Jordan's exports to Ukraine in 2011 increased by 127 per cent to more than $27 million and mostly comprised agricultural products.
In Ukraine, Constitution Day marks the 1996 adoption of the former Soviet country's first constitution as an independent state, Pasko said.
"The adoption of the Constitution was an important step in ensuring human and civil rights, and further enhanced of the international prestige of Ukraine."
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