Ukraine and the Lebanese Republic have agreed to review and develop a draft free trade agreement between the two countries and to resume the work of the Ukrainian-Lebanese Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation. They also discussed the possibility of expanding cooperation in the field of demining. These were the outcomes of the visit to Beirut by the delegation from Ukraine’s Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture, led by Deputy Minister Ihor Bezkaravayny.
Lebanon is interested in increasing the volume of bilateral trade with Ukraine, expanding the range of traded goods, and establishing an agro-hub on its territory. This was stated by Lebanon’s Minister of Economy and Trade, Amer Bassat, during a meeting with the Ukrainian delegation.
“Ukraine is interested in a long-term strategic partnership with Lebanon. The food and logistics hub project in Lebanon is not just about increasing trade volumes. It is also about regional food security, as Lebanon could become a gateway for Ukrainian goods,” said Ihor Bezkaravayny.
During a meeting with Lebanon’s Minister of Agriculture, Nizar Khani, Bezkaravayny emphasized that Ukraine is ready to strengthen cooperation with Lebanon in demining activities. Ukrainian experts can assist in soil reclamation and remediation after clearance operations.
“Lebanon is now establishing a regional demining center where specialists from various Middle Eastern countries will be trained. Ukraine has proposed that Ukrainian experts also teach at this center, share their unique demining experience, and contribute to regional security,” Bezkaravayny said after meeting with Lebanese officials responsible for clearance efforts.
The parties also discussed the use of innovative technologies, including drones equipped with sensors, for demining operations.
