Ambassador of Canada to Ukraine at KYIV NOT KIEV: Ukraine is an accessible adventure
KYIV NOT KIEV, a news video project launched by TRUMAN Agency team members, continues the season of ambassadorial interviews. At the latest episode of the show project anchors Tetiana Gaiduk and Polina Boichuk hosted Larisa Galadza, Madam Ambassador of Canada to Ukraine.
On Ukraine as a travel destination
“Ukraine is an accessible adventure” puts the Ambassador. The diversity of geography, urban-rural stuff, big city – small city contrast – all this contributes to why the Ambassador would certainly recommend Ukraine for travel lovers. To-do checklist from the Ambassador – walking down Kyiv streets, enjoying the peace of Shevchenko Park, dropping by cocktail bars and eating well Kherson watermelons.
On CA-UA bilateral relations
Canada has been one of the most Ukraine-friendly countries in the world. To the question what makes Ukraine an important ally to Canada, the Ambassador didn`t hesitate to answer “We`re both democratic countries of about the same size, we both live near large world powers, we have economies that rely on trade and we`re big supporters of the multilateral system. Countries like ours rely on the rules-based international order to level the playfield. Canada needs friends with those interests”.
Learning from Ukraine`s experience is very precious to Canada, believes the Ambassador. “Ukraine is on a frontline of a hybrid war, and we know that this hybrid war easily reaches across the Atlantic and around the world”.
From the values perspective – adds the Ambassador – immigrant Ukrainians rose to the level they were shaping what Canada was. So, there is a natural affinity between the peoples.
On the Ukrainian peace process
Ms Ambassador used to lead the direction of peacekeeping operations and stabilization at the MFA of Canada. Speaking from her experience about bringing sustainable peace, the Ambassador mentioned the political legitimacy and importance of communicating the peace to the people. “You may be able to end the war, but you won`t be able to sustain the peace without it”. The Crimean Platform initiated by President Zelensky to which Canada has been invited, the Ambassador called “an excellent initiative”.
On benefits of the CA-UA Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA)
Right now, one of the main questions in the bilateral relations is the modernization of CUFTA. The Ambassador believes the Agreement has worked really well and needs to be updated in terms of services – telecommunications, financial and IT services. “The Agreement is, in fact, better than most trade agreements are” – says the Ambassador.
On G7 Ambassadors Reform Support Group in Ukraine
“I always feel comfortable at meetings with the Ukrainian government because we have a genuine, sincere, forthright conversation. It`s a real privilege for G7 Ambassadors to have the kind of access to decision-makers in Ukraine. Sometimes their words and actions don`t measure up, and we find ways of having those conversations – we have built good trust with our interlocutors” – mentions the Ambassadors when asked if she is fine with the assurances of the Ukrainian government that the reforms are in place while it`s not always the case.
On the reforms – frequently-mentioned and ambiguous ones
Among the primary importance reforms to Ukraine, the Ambassador mentioned judicial reform, maintaining micro-financial stability and security sector reform. When asked about marijuana legalization and the relevant experience of Canada therein, the Ambassador kept calm “When it comes to the legalization of drugs, every country needs to find its own tolerances and its own way.”
On vaccination
Surprised at the reluctance of Ukrainians to get vaccinated, the Ambassador explained how it all is going in Canada “We have very strong public health authorities in Canada, communicating about why vaccination is important.”
More of the conversation is available here:
