And now to the Black Sea
Ukraine is going through a difficult phase politically at present, with conflict between the President and Prime Minister. Ukraine is certainly not the only country where the two top politicians in government cordially dislike each other!
The Orange Revolution excited the imagination of the democratic world. However Ukraine is split in varying degrees between those who look westwards towards Europe and NATO and those who wish to be more accommodating to Russia. The country is rich in natural resources and strategically is vital as so much of Europe’s energy supplies transit through Ukraine.
It is hugely important that the country succeeds, and Ukrainians look to us, of all the countries of Western Europe to support them. Many thousands now live here or have established business connections here.
Last night we launched the British-Ukrainian Society – 250 people came, and there is much enthusiasm. I am the new chairman. There are already many organisations in this country linked to Ukraine, but we hope to provide an umbrella organisation for these links. Whether it is political, business, cultural or educational, we shall try to strengthen the bonds between the two countries.