The United States is interested in engaging businesses in Ukraine’s reconstruction. In particular, the state of New Mexico is considering an official partnership with one of Ukraine’s regions and preparing a trade mission of American companies. During a meeting between the leadership of the Consulate General of Ukraine in Houston and the Governor of New Mexico as well as the Mayor of Albuquerque, economic and educational cooperation was discussed. The talks focused on potential participation of New Mexico Tech in scientific projects, cooperation in the fields of energy, critical minerals, and water infrastructure, as well as further development of the sister-city partnership between Albuquerque and Kharkiv.
This was reported by the Consulate General of Ukraine in Houston and the Ukrainian community organization Ukrainian Americans of New Mexico.
“Vitalii Tarasiuk noted the consistent and principled support for Ukraine that the Governor and the state of New Mexico have provided since the first days of Russia’s full-scale aggression,” the consulate said in a statement.
It was also emphasized during the meeting that the Ukrainian community of New Mexico, despite its small size, remains active and deeply engaged in supporting Ukraine.
In particular, the parties discussed the possibility of establishing a partnership between the state of New Mexico and one of Ukraine’s oblasts, which would allow for the implementation of long-term projects in reconstruction, education, and economic development.
Special attention was given to cooperation with the state’s universities. The New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (New Mexico Tech)—one of the leading U.S. institutions in the fields of small modular reactors, quantum engineering, and geothermal technologies—was highlighted as a promising partner for Ukrainian educational and research institutions.
A significant portion of the discussions was devoted to economic cooperation. Opportunities for collaboration in clean energy, the mining sector, and critical minerals were explored, as well as the potential involvement of New Mexico’s expertise in projects aimed at restoring damaged dams and improving the efficiency of water infrastructure in Ukraine. The American side also expressed interest in Ukraine’s experience in developing unmanned systems and defense technologies.
As a result of the meeting, the parties agreed to jointly work on organizing a trade mission of New Mexico companies to Ukraine as a practical step toward deepening economic partnership and engaging American businesses in reconstruction efforts.
As part of the visit, a meeting was also held with the international and economic team of the City of Albuquerque, during which the development of the sister-city partnership between Albuquerque and Kharkiv—established in 2023—was discussed.
It is noted that with the support of Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller, a number of assistance projects for Kharkiv have already been implemented. These include the transfer of an ambulance vehicle from Albuquerque Fire Rescue, 38 vehicles, tourniquets and other emergency medical supplies for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, diagnostic equipment for a Kharkiv hospital, and 29 laptops for Kharkiv’s underground schools.
The parties also discussed prospects for expanding cooperation in cultural diplomacy, humanitarian initiatives, and economic collaboration, including the possible participation of the City of Albuquerque and local companies in a future New Mexico trade mission to Ukraine.
The Consulate General expressed gratitude to the City of Albuquerque for its solidarity, as well as to the Ukrainian Americans of New Mexico community and the Albuquerque–Kharkiv sister-city group, which continue to serve as the driving force behind this partnership.
Photo: Consulate General of Ukraine in Houston
Author: Inna Mikhno