The article examines the features of the formation and development of Ukraine’s strategic partnership with the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States in the context of ensuring regional food security. The key areas of interstate cooperation in the field of agri-food policy, trade, technological exchange and food sustainability are identified. The impact of global challenges – economic crises, armed conflicts, climate change – on the state of food security in the region is analyzed. Particular attention is paid to the role of Ukraine as one of the leading producers and exporters of agri-food products, as well as its potential in forming stable food supplies to the markets of the Commonwealth countries. The need to develop partnership mechanisms aimed at increasing the efficiency of food systems, harmonizing quality standards, improving logistics infrastructure and building joint strategic reserves is substantiated. Priority areas of cooperation are proposed, including: modernization of agricultural production, creation of joint investment projects, strengthening of scientific and technical cooperation, introduction of innovations in the field of storage and processing of products. It is proved that strategic partnership in the food sector will contribute not only to economic growth, but also to strengthening social stability, development of rural areas and ensuring sustainable access of the population to high-quality food resources. The results of the study have practical significance for the formation of state policy of Ukraine in the field of international agri-food cooperation and integration into the global food security system.

The conclusion is made about the need to use mechanisms of «soft power» and cooperation diplomacy to strengthen trust and counteract the influence of third countries that seek to monopolize the food markets of the region. Strategic partnership in this area should be reoriented from quantitative indicators of trade to qualitative parameters of the sustainability of the regional food system.

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