For many years, Ukraine’s foreign policy was focused mainly on Europe and North America. It was natural: Ukraine’s path of European integration, security, and reforms demanded most of our capacity.
But now we must admit: there were many opportunities we missed in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, including the southeastern region of Asia. Sometimes this was due to limited resources, sometimes because of the legacy of Soviet foreign policy and Moscow’s foreign influence.
One misconception we observe in many parts of the world, and in Asia, indeed, too, is that Russia has deep historical ties with the region. In reality, much of what is remembered as “Soviet heritage” and attributed mainly to Russia was no less, if not more, Ukraine’s contribution. Ukrainian specialists helped build infrastructure in many countries abroad, including Malaysia and Indonesia, worked on major transport projects, and even took part in global efforts such as the construction of the Suez Canal and in the development of space technology. Thousands of doctors, engineers, and diplomats from Asean countries have studied in Ukrainian universities. Russia today tries to “occupy” this legacy, but the truth is that Ukraine has played a significant role.
Ukraine also has a tradition of supporting developing nations in international institutions. For example, at the United Nations, Ukrainian diplomats were often among the first to raise the voices of African and Asian states. The diplomats of Ukraine co-authored numerous resolutions and amendments to international conventions, actively advocating for the rights of the captive nations of the world. The Ambassador of the Ukrainian SSR to the UN, Hennadii Udovenko, was the Vice-Chairman of the Special Committee against Apartheid.
And these are a few of the many things that make us natural partners for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean): we understand the value of sovereignty, diversity, and the search for peace.
Today, Asean is one of the most dynamic regions of the world. For Ukraine, building ties here is not only about trade, but also about values and security. Since 2021, we have been an observer in Asean, and next year we aim to become a sectoral partner. This means cooperation across many areas, including agriculture, technology, infrastructure, energy, and education.
There are many parallels between Ukraine and Asean countries. Ukraine is a multiethnic and multireligious state, just like many countries in Asean, and Asean itself is a very diverse region. We all face both external threats and pressure and internal challenges. In Ukraine, the occupation of Crimea since 2014 has shown how aggression can destabilise an entire region and go even beyond. Crimea is central to security in the Black Sea. And it is not just our issue: attacks on ports and grain exports affect global food security. Asean countries know well how maritime security impacts the economy and stability.
We also see common lessons in transitional justice and reconciliation. As an example, Timor-Leste and the Bangsamoro region in the Philippines have been through their own experiences of conflict resolution, peace agreements, and post-conflict elections. Ukraine is now also thinking about the reintegration of occupied territories, the rights of indigenous peoples, and transitional justice. And until recently, we too were under the yoke of a foreign empire. Sharing these lessons makes our dialogue truly valuable.
Academic and cultural exchange is another bridge between our societies. The Global Coalition for Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar Studies, initiated by First Lady Olena Zelenska, can connect with Asean universities and research centres. Joint projects in education, media, and civil society help fight disinformation and promote mutual understanding.
Economically, Asean can find new markets and become a potential investor in Ukraine. Even amid the war, there are many opportunities for cooperation in technology, agriculture, and energy. After the war, reconstruction will open even more possibilities — infrastructure, healthcare, green technologies. At the same time, Ukraine can learn from Asean’s impressive progress in infrastructure and medical technologies, to name a few.
Finally, Asean countries can also learn from Ukraine. The occupation of Crimea shows how the seizure of a maritime region affects not only one country but global security and food supply chains. This is a reminder that aggression anywhere is a threat everywhere.
I believe that there is great potential for deepening ties between Asean and Ukraine, and I mean in practical terms. We live in perilous times, and we all face great challenges. But it is always good to help each other overcome them.