Official Letters

Opening Word

To the President
of the Apimondia International Federation of Beekeepers’ Associations
Mr. Asger Søgaard Jørgensen

Dear Mr. President,

I memorize our meeting in August 2007 during your visit to Ukraine with great pleasure and warmth. I believe that that was the time when first significant steps in integration of our country to the world’s beekeepers’ community were made and the international beekeepers’ activities of Ukraine passed from dialogue to certain practical actions. In less than one month Ukrainian delegation demonstrated our potential in the sphere of apiculture to the whole world at the 40th Apimondia Congress in Melbourne. It was the event at which the intention of Ukraine to contest for hosting the 43rd Apimondia Congres in 2013 was announced for the first time.

Thousands years ago Kievan Rus’ supplied honey, bees-wax and honey-based beverages to the most distant parts of medieval Europe and Middle East. Apiculture products formed the foundation of the ancient Rus’ state’s economy, and since that time the beekeeping craft has been treated with a special respect in Ukraine and is an integral part of our nation’s world of spirit.

Today Ukraine has all grounds to be called the European Honey Land. The annual gross production of honey reaches up to 75 thousands tons in our country; over 400 thousands apiarists are engaged in the industry and work with 3.4 millions bee families. Ukrainian beekeeping community is very diverse, with different traditions and technologies in different regions of Ukraine. Ukraine has two native breeds of bees: the Carpathian and the Ukrainian Steppe, which are actively bred. The development of the industry is supported by an extensive network of scientific research and education institutions. The superior quality of Ukrainian hive products is recognized by international experts and is marked by medals of most prestigious contests.

Ukraine is a beekeeping world waiting to be discovered by the international community. I believe that holding the Apimondia Congress in the capital of our country – city of Kyiv – would not only have a great influence over the development of the industry in Ukraine, but would also significantly enrich the world’s apiculture.

That is why I am ready to take the position of the President of the 43rd Apimondia Congress in Ukraine if relevant decision is made by the General Assembly in September this year. I would like to assure you that I will make every effort in order that this global apicultural forum is organized and held at proper level.

Welcome to Ukraine!

Sincerely yours,

President of Ukraine

Victor Yuschenko