How We Started our Work in Not-So-Foggy Albion

  • Post category:Issue XIX

Serhii Komisarenko
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine, Academician of the NAS and NAMS of Ukraine
ORCID 0000-0002-3244-3194

DOI https://doi.org/10.37837/2707-7683-2018-9

Abstract. The article describes separate and the most interesting episodes of work of its author Serhii Komisarenko during his service as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Being the academician of the NAS and NAMS of Ukraine, Serhii Komisarenko was appointed Ambassador in London in 1992 and worked in this position for six years – until 1998.The article also describes the building of the Embassy, how it was established, reconstructed and designed, tells about authors of presented works of art.
In his article, the author draws special attention to the communication with the Queen of the Great Britain – during the ceremony of presenting credentials in Buckingham Palace and the annual diplomatic royal reception of ambassadors. At the end of author’s appointment in London, he paid several parting visits to the members of the Royal family and ministers. The author had also an opportunity to meet the Queen before the leave.
The author also mentions the fire at Windsor Palace, when the oldest and most important part of the palace, St. George’s Chapel, was destroyed.
During the work, the Embassy constantly felt the support of the Foreign Office and other official circles of Britain. They showed great interest in the Ukrainian diplomatic mission and the development of cooperation with Ukraine. The result was the opening of the British-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce in London in 1997, which still operates today.
The author of the article expresses sincere gratitude to his colleagues for the creative and friendly atmosphere that prevailed at the Embassy, and for the fruitful work they have done in those years for the benefit of our country.
Keywords: the United Kingdom, the Queen of the Great Britain, Antarctic station, Ukrainian-British Chamber, Ukraine, Embassy.

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