On July 23-24, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba paid the first visit to Equatorial Guinea in the history of bilateral relations, visiting the cities of Malabo and Djibloho.

Dmytro Kuleba enjoyed audience by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, had negotiations with Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Diaspora Affairs Simeon Esono Angue, and met with the President of the Upper and Lower Houses of Parliament Gaudencio Mohaba Mesu and the President of the Senate of Parliament Teresa Efua Asangono.

The head of Ukrainian diplomacy and the leaders of Equatorial Guinea discussed Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative and its consequences for food security in Africa. The Equatorial Guinean partners emphasized the importance to continue export of Ukrainian grain to African countries.

"Moscow's withdrawal from the grain deal has significantly deteriorated the global food crisis, directly affected Africa through higher food prices. Russia has not only unilaterally withdrawn guarantees of the grain corridor, but is also attacking port infrastructure and grain elevators. This is an attempt to eliminate a competitor from the market and make money on speculative prices. As a result of the Kremlin's policy, African countries are forced to pay many times more for food. Together we must end Russian blackmail," emphasized Dmytro Kuleba.

The Minister informed about Ukraine's efforts to maintain grain exports from Ukrainian ports. He thanked Equatorial Guinea for its willingness to join common efforts to prevent Russia from undermining food security in Africa and other regions.

During the meetings, Dmytro Kuleba drawn special attention to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Peace Formula as a way to restore a fair and lasting peace in Ukraine.

On his part, President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo expressed support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as for efforts to put an end of Russian aggression as soon as possible and in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter. He supported Ukraine's efforts to intensify relations with the African Union.

Among other important topics, the officials of Ukraine and Equatorial Guinea discussed the development of political dialogue, interaction in the UN and other international organizations, ways to increase trade, digitalization based on Ukrainian technologies, exchange of experience in agriculture, cooperation in pharmaceuticals, and training of Equatorial Guinean personnel.

In the early 2000s, Ukrainian-Equatorial Guinean relations were dynamic. Ukraine built a frigate, a corvette, and two patrol boats for Equatorial Guinea. Before the occupation of Crimea, 50 Equatorial Guinean cadets studied at the Pavlo Nakhimov Naval Academy. Ukrainian engineers are currently building the country's largest hydroelectric power plant «Senje». Thousands of students from Equatorial Guinea have gained higher education in Ukraine.

The Minister's visit intensified bilateral dialogue with Equatorial Guinea. This is another important step towards the implementation of the African Strategy aimed at creating new opportunities for the Ukrainian state, business and citizens.