UAE, Ukraine Issue Joint Statement on Strengthening Bilateral Relations

During the official visit of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from February 16th to 17th, 2025, he met with President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. On this occasion, both leaders released a joint statement marking the visit. The statement highlighted the strong relations between the two nations and their shared commitment to improving ties even further.

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Both leaders expressed appreciation for the growing cooperation between Ukraine and the UAE over the past 30 years. They agreed that increasing exchanges and collaboration, especially in efforts to promote peace, was essential. The two leaders focused particularly on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. They acknowledged that the UAE had been actively involved in several significant events related to Ukraine, including the Crimea Platform, the Peace Summit on Ukraine, the Ukraine Recovery Conference, the Mine Action Conference, and a conference on Ukraine's Peace Formula.

The statement also emphasized the shared commitment of both countries to uphold international law and the United Nations Charter. They reaffirmed their determination to support serious dialogue that could lead to a lasting and just peace for Ukraine. The UAE also showed its willingness to continue contributing to peacemaking efforts, promising to use all available resources to help bring the ongoing conflict to an end.

Ukraine expressed gratitude for the UAE's leadership and efforts in promoting peaceful coexistence, dialogue, and respect for international law. Both leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in several areas, including trade, humanitarian assistance, education, technology, and agriculture. They also explored potential partnerships in emerging sectors like food security, logistics, science, and digital transformation.

Trade and Economic Relations

The two leaders emphasized the importance of enhancing trade and economic relations between their nations. They highlighted the need to boost investments and revive key platforms such as the UAE-Ukraine Business Council and the UAE-Ukraine Intergovernmental Joint Commission. Both countries are committed to improving economic cooperation and want to continue discussions that started in 2018 to strengthen areas like trade, investment, energy, and infrastructure.

The joint statement also marked the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and Ukraine. Both countries celebrated this achievement and noted that the agreement would provide significant economic benefits. It is expected to reduce trade barriers, open up new opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, technology, and manufacturing, and strengthen bilateral trade and investment.

The UAE also expressed its hopes that the CEPA would contribute to Ukraine's recovery after the conflict, as it is expected to boost economic integration and create more predictable business conditions, benefiting both countries in the long run.

Humanitarian Assistance and Exchange Efforts

In terms of humanitarian support, both sides discussed the UAE's role in providing emergency relief to Ukraine. This includes delivering tons of food, medical supplies, and ambulances through airlift operations. Ukraine expressed its appreciation for these efforts, including the success of the "Room for Childhood" project, which was completed in 2024.

Additionally, both nations agreed to support a new project from the Olena Zelenska Foundation, led by the First Lady of Ukraine. The initiative focuses on building 10 homes for large foster families in Ukraine, with the UAE pledging its support. The two leaders also discussed the urgent humanitarian needs in energy, fuel, demining, and medical supplies, agreeing to continue supporting these sectors during the crisis.

A new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the UAE Humanitarian Assistance Agency and the Olena Zelenska Foundation to strengthen ongoing efforts in providing medical aid, infrastructure rebuilding, and humanitarian relief. The Ukrainian side also thanked the UAE for playing a key role in facilitating the exchange of captives, marking the 12th exchange in February 2025.

Cooperation in Food Security and Energy

Both leaders agreed on the importance of enhancing cooperation in food security and energy. They acknowledged their shared responsibility to address global challenges and committed to finding new ways to collaborate in these critical areas. The UAE and Ukraine agreed to explore innovative solutions in agriculture and energy that would benefit both countries and the wider region.

The leaders also discussed the "Grain from Ukraine" and "Food from Ukraine" initiatives, which contribute to global food stability. They emphasized the importance of continuing to supply Ukrainian grain to international markets, particularly in regions experiencing food insecurity. Both leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to helping people in need around the world, including those in Syria, and promised to work together on long-term solutions for vulnerable populations.

Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in the Humanitarian Sector

The MoU signed between the UAE and the Olena Zelenska Foundation focuses on constructing 10 new homes for large foster families in Ukraine. The UAE and Ukraine are working together on this important project, which aims to provide stable homes for children in need and can be expanded in the future.

This visit marked an important step in strengthening the ties between the UAE and Ukraine. Both countries are committed to supporting each other in various sectors, including trade, humanitarian assistance, energy, food security, and peace efforts. Through continued cooperation, they hope to contribute to a more stable and prosperous future for both nations.