STATEMENT
by Ambassador of Ukraine Yevhenii Tsymbaliuk
at the reception on the occasion of celebration of the 24th Anniversary
of the Independence of Ukraine
2 November 2015, Nairobi
Honorable Senator Martha Wangare,
Your Excellency Director-General of the United Nations Office in Nairobi Amb. Sahle-Work Zewde,
Your Excellency Ambassadors and High Commissioners,
Distinguished Guests,
Шановна українська громадо,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to this reception today celebrating the 24th anniversary of restoration of the Independence of Ukraine.
The past 24 years have witnessed the efforts of the people of Ukraine to build its own state, following its own choice. The choice of a better life and of a better future for the next generations, the choice where human rights, dignity and the rule of law prevail.
By building independent state, Ukraine stood out internationally as a reliable partner in the field of agriculture, machinery, science, education and sports.
All the success has been achieved thanks to strong desire to independence inspired by our long history, culture and traditions, which have always kept the Ukrainian nation together.
Today our efforts and aspirations are undermined by the unexpected aggressor, the Russian Federation, that illegally annexed part of Ukrainian territory, namely Crimea. Its direct military intervention in Donbas, as well as supply of weapons, military equipment, financial recourses and mercenaries to illegal armed groups seriously challenges sovereignty of my country.
However we are confident that with political support of our friends we will overcome today’s difficulties.
The diplomatic relations between our states, that crossed the threshold of only two decades, have been marked by strong political ties, promising field for mutually beneficial cooperation and reliable and trustworthy dialogue within the framework of multilateral diplomacy.
Therefore it is my pleasant task to secure through joint efforts the traditional friendship and sound cooperation between Ukraine and Kenya and to ensure mutual commitment to developing bilateral relations for the benefit of our nations.
Шановна українська громадо,
Я радий привітати всіх з нашим спільним святом – Днем Незалежності! Ваша моральна підтримка потрібна нам сьогодні як ніколи. Впевнений, що важка ситуація в Україні має згуртувати нас. Ми завжди раді вам у нашому, а точніше – у вашому посольстві, ми відкриті до ідей, думок та ініціатив. Дякую.
Now, I would like to propose a toast.
To the prosperity, happiness and well-being of the Ukrainian and Kenyan people,
To the continued development of the friendly cooperation between Ukraine and Kenya,
To the Heads of States! To all the friends present here today! Cheers!
Now let me give the floor to the Honorable Senator Martha Wangare.