Number of Jordanian students in Ukraine ‘on constant rise’

AMMAN — More than 3,000 Jordanian students, mainly in the medical field, are pursuing their studies in Ukraine and the number continues to be on the rise as bilateral ties are witnessing increased cooperation in various arenas, Ukrainian ambassador in Amman, Serhiy Pasko, said on Sunday.

More than 477 Jordanian students travelled to Ukraine this year to pursue their studies, the ambassador said in an interview with The Jordan Times on the occasion of the 27th anniversary of independence, which the embassy will celebrate on Monday.

“The number of Jordanian students is growing due to the friendly atmosphere and welcoming they received, the similarities between the two peoples, the high quality of education in Ukraine, especially in the medical fields and the affordability of universities tuitions and costs,” Pasko highlighted.

According to the ambassador, there are around 3,000 Jordanian medical doctors currently working in the Kingdom who graduated from Ukrainian universities.

On tourism, Pasko said that the embassy is “very active” in promoting the rich tourism sites in Jordan, and is expected to intensify its efforts in this regard.

“Increased connectivity between Jordan and Ukraine is a factor that plays a key role in increasing the number of tourists both ways,” he said, adding that the “relatively high cost” of hotels and other expenses represent an obstacle to increasing tourism.

Around 10,000 Ukrainians visit Jordan each year, while the number of Jordanians who visit Ukraine amounts to around 3,000.

Regarding trade, he said relations are growing.

Trade exchange between the two countries reached $121 million during the first eight months of this year, rising by 13.2 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Trader exchange by the end of 2018 is expected to be higher than last year, the ambassador stated.

Jordan and Ukraine, which established diplomatic ties in 1992, enjoy solid relations, with more room for strengthening cooperation in the areas of tourism, commerce and pharmaceuticals, Pasko underlined.

“The two countries see to eye on several issues and enjoy close cooperation in various arenas and the potential for increased and wider cooperation is huge,” said the ambassador.