On April 30, Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Mariana Betsa took part in the inaugural meeting of the expert discussion platform “Ukraine – Latin America and the Caribbean: From Strategy to Partnership,” held at the Hennadii Udovenko Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine.

The event launched a permanent format for strategic dialogue between government authorities, the expert community, and civil society on the prospects for developing cooperation with the Latin American and Caribbean region.

“Ukraine is entering a qualitatively new stage in its relations with the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean — a stage of active and purposeful presence in the region. Despite all geopolitical challenges and the significant geographical distance, our strategic goal remains clear: to expand mutually beneficial partnerships and build resilient allied relations. We must strengthen cooperation to counter Russian aggression and bring a just peace closer” — the Deputy Minister stated.

Mariana Betsa emphasized that this new format is being implemented within the framework of the Strategy for the Development of Relations between Ukraine and Latin America and the Caribbean for 2024–2026, noting that this course is part of a broader policy to strengthen Ukraine’s global standing.

Participants discussed key priorities for cooperation in the political-diplomatic, economic, scientific and technological, and humanitarian spheres, with particular attention to trade development, investment attraction, scientific collaboration, public diplomacy, and countering Russian disinformation.

Following the meeting, participants confirmed their intention to develop this discussion platform as a permanent mechanism for generating practical solutions aimed at deepening cooperation between Ukraine and the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.