New Chinese Ambassador to Ukraine Ma Shengkun Arrives to Assume His Duty
Ma Shengkun stated that currently, the accelerating evolution of the century-long changes poses complex situations and severe challenges to world peace and stability, development and prosperity, exchange and cooperation. Image from WeChat official account “Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Ukraine”
According to the WeChat official account “Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Ukraine”, on November 20th, Ma Shengkun, the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Ukraine, arrived in Ukraine to assume his duty and delivered a written speech.
The news reported that when Ambassador Ma Shengkun arrived at the Ukrainian border, he was greeted by diplomatic representatives from the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stationed in Uzhhorod. Upon arrival in Kyiv, he was warmly welcomed by Yarova, the Director of the Protocol Department of the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as key diplomats from the embassy.
Ma Shengkun expressed, “I would like to express my heartfelt thanks and highest respect to all friends who have cared for and supported the development of China-Ukraine relations for a long time! Over the past 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Ukraine, under the strategic guidance of the heads of state of both countries and with the joint efforts of all sectors, the political mutual trust between the two countries has continuously strengthened, pragmatic cooperation has yielded fruitful results, and people-to-people exchanges have been actively vibrant, bringing tangible benefits to both countries and their people. China and Ukraine are traditional friends and partners. There is a Ukrainian proverb that goes, ‘A tree thrives because its roots are deep; a person becomes strong with the help of friends.’ I am full of confidence in the prospect of deepening the development of bilateral relations.”
He emphasized, “Though the road may be long, if you walk, you will reach your destination; though tasks may be difficult, if you do them, they will be accomplished.” As the new Ambassador to Ukraine, I am fully aware that I carry the expectations of the governments and people of both countries and shoulder the heavy responsibility of promoting the development of China-Ukraine relations. The responsibility is significant, and the mission is glorious. I will keep in mind the entrustment, fulfill my duties diligently, persevere tirelessly, and persistently serve as a defender of China-Ukraine friendship, a promoter of China-Ukraine exchanges, and a facilitator of China-Ukraine cooperation. In this process, I sincerely hope to receive the care and support of friends from all sectors in Ukraine, and I look forward to extensive contacts, frank exchanges, mutual trust building, doubt clarification, and joint discussion on cooperation with the Ukrainian government and people from all sectors, striving to write a new chapter in the strategic partnership between China and Ukraine.
Public information shows that Ma Shengkun, born in Qingzhou, Shandong, graduated from the English Department of Changwei Teachers’ College in 1991, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yantai Normal University and a Bachelor of Laws degree from China Foreign Affairs University.
He has worked in the Department of International Organizations and Conferences of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva, the Department of Arms Control of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Vienna, serving as Deputy Director, Director, and Counselor, among other positions. Before assuming his new position, Ma Shengkun served as the Deputy Director of the Department of Arms Control of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The main responsibilities of the Department of Arms Control of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs include researching and investigating issues related to international arms control, disarmament, non-proliferation, export control, as well as global and regional security; organizing the formulation of relevant policies; studying and handling related affairs in conjunction with relevant departments; organizing negotiations on relevant international treaties and agreements; collaborating with relevant departments to fulfill relevant international treaties and agreements; and guiding the relevant business of diplomatic missions abroad.
Fan Xianrong, the former Chinese Ambassador to Ukraine, was born in March 1963. He previously served as Counselor in the Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador to Tajikistan, Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, and Minister at the Embassy of China in Russia, among other positions. He was appointed as Ambassador to Ukraine in February 2020.