APA News Agency conducted an interview with Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communities and Territories Development Oleksii Kuleba, participating in WUF13
Our friends from Azerbaijan are helping and supporting us
— Mr. Minister, what is the significance of WUF13 for Ukraine?
— This is the first time we are participating in the World Urban Forum. Of course, this is very important for Ukraine because we continue transforming our country while the war is ongoing, and of course, this is an opportunity for us to show the world what is happening in Ukraine.
Unfortunately, we are showing our destroyed or damaged homes and facilities. But on the other hand, we can demonstrate that we are not alone. Our partners and friends, including our friends from Azerbaijan, are helping and supporting us.
It is precisely thanks to this that we have achieved important results in Ukraine’s reconstruction. I think these figures speak louder than a thousand words. Because we have projects like Borodyanka, where we are able to apply a comprehensive approach to reconstruction.
We also have projects such as the “Hansen Housing Initiative.” This is an initiative by an American citizen who allocated more than $20 million to Ukraine. We are building wonderful housing for people displaced from the Donetsk region and other parts of Ukraine.
We are looking for various cooperation opportunities
— Do you plan to benefit from Azerbaijan’s reconstruction experience in Karabakh?
— Of course, we are looking for various cooperation opportunities. Not only in reconstruction, but also in infrastructure and economic sectors, we are working on new projects.
If we are talking about applying Azerbaijan’s reconstruction experience in Ukraine, I think these are different types of reconstruction. Because the war in Ukraine is still ongoing. Today, unfortunately, our southern regions, Odesa and other cities, were subjected to a massive drone attack. Therefore, unfortunately, we cannot compare these situations.
But we have productive cooperation, and I am sure this is only the first step for our future cooperation.
One of our main priorities is attracting investment and financing to Ukraine
— What is the level of interest from foreign investors in Ukraine’s reconstruction?
— No state funds, nor even the financial support of our partners, friends, and allies, can fully cover all needs. Of course, in this regard, public-private partnership is the key issue, and as a government, one of our main priorities is attracting investment and financing to Ukraine. We have very good examples in this area, such as the concession of the Chornomorsk port. Last year, we began preparations for this concession, and now we are already at the final stage. I can say that the world’s largest companies have joined this process, and this is the result of global companies’ interest in Ukraine. This is, in a way, an indication that companies are ready to invest in Ukraine.
All of our experience and knowledge will be very useful for the world
— What is Ukraine’s message to the world at WUF13?
— Our message is very simple: Ukraine is not only about war. Ukraine is also a new leader in resilience in the fields of infrastructure and housing. Because all of our experience and knowledge will be very useful for the world.
