The French Ambassador to Ukraine Gael All Jeel appealed to the Ukrainian authorities as soon as possible to consider the possibility of signing and ratification of the Open Sea Agreement - an international document approved by the United Nations in 2023. This agreement is aimed at protecting ocean ecosystems located outside national jurisdictions.
In his column for Ukrinform agency, the diplomat stressed that although the main priority for Ukraine remains protection against Russian aggression, the signing of the Open Sea agreement is an important strategic step to strengthen the country's scientific and environmental interests.
"The agreement provides for the creation of maritime conservation areas, regulation of access to the genetic resources of the ocean and the transfer of relevant technologies," the whole meter said. He stressed that even despite the lack of direct exit of Ukraine to the open ocean, participation in this initiative corresponds to the country's scientific and political priorities.
On June 9, the Third UN Conference from the Oceans will be held in French Nice, where Ukraine will also be represented. This event will be an opportunity for Ukraine not only to express the position on the signing of the agreement, but also to condemn environmental crimes caused by full -scale aggression of Russia in the Black Sea.
"The clear position of Ukraine on the signing of the Open Sea agreement at the conference will help to draw attention to the damage caused to the environment in the Crimea and the Black Sea," the ambassador said.
Alliere also stressed that all European Union member states have already signed this Agreement, some have even completed its ratification. The signing of this document by Ukraine will be a powerful signal of its integration with the EU positions and will testify to the country's desire to be part of the democratic world.
Particularly important is that Russia has refused to sign an agreement, so Ukraine's participation will demonstrate its strategic choice in favor of environmental security and international cooperation.
