Update: UAE and Ukraine sign landmark trade deal
President Sheikh Mohamed on Monday held talks with Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Abu Dhabi, as part of his official visit to the Emirates.
Sheikh Mohamed underlined the UAE's commitment to helping to secure a peaceful solution to the Ukraine-Russia war and to mitigate the humanitarian impact of the conflict during the meeting at Qasr Al Shati, state news agency Wam reported. He thanked Mr Zelenskyy for the co-operation of the Ukrainian government in the UAE's mediation efforts in the exchange of prisoners between the warring nations.
“I met today with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Abu Dhabi for talks that explored ways to deepen ties between the UAE and Ukraine,” Sheikh Mohamed wrote on X. “Together we witnessed the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which signals a new era of trade and investment collaboration. The UAE remains steadfast in our commitment to build partnerships based on co-operation and understanding to promote peace, stability, and prosperity for all.”
The Ukrainian President set out his desire to bolster robust ties with the UAE in the talks and expressed his gratitude to Sheikh Mohamed for his country's sustained diplomatic work to bring about prisoner exchanges. The two leaders explored ways to strengthen partnerships in key areas such as the economy, investment, development, renewable energy and food security.
Mr Zelenskyy said on social media that he had had a “meaningful conversation” with Sheikh Mohamed in which he thanked the UAE for its critical intervention in negotiating the release of Ukrainians held captive.
“One of our key topics today is the return of our people from Russian captivity,” Mr Zelenskyy posted on X. “The UAE's mediation has saved many lives. We are grateful for this crucial co-operation and today we discussed how to continue it.”
The Ukrainian leader also spoke of the “intensive” work carried out by his wife, the first lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska. In March, 2023, Sheikh Mohamed said $4 million would be directed to the Olena Zelenska Foundation, following talks with the first lady in Abu Dhabi. The funds were to be used to contribute to the construction of 10 buildings that will house about 100 children affected by the war.
Following the discussions on Monday, Sheikh Mohamed hosted a luncheon in honour of the Ukrainian President and his delegation.
The meeting was attended by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Adviser; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad, Adviser to the UAE President, and a number of other ministers and senior officials.
Mr Zelenskyy arrived in the UAE on Sunday to begin his official visit, which he said was aimed at supporting efforts to secure the release of citizens being held captive by Russia as the war in his homeland continues. Mr Zelenskyy received a guard of honour as he landed in Abu Dhabi with the first lady.
He shared footage on X of him being received on arrival by Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation. The Ukrainian leader said the visit to the Emirates was focused on “bringing even more of our people home from captivity”.
“We will also focus on investments and economic partnership, as well as a large-scale humanitarian programme,” he said. The UAE has offered key support to Ukraine and its people during the conflict with Russia, which has been raging for three years.
This month the UAE mediated the exchange of 300 Russian and Ukrainian prisoners. The mediation resulted in the release of 150 Russians and 150 Ukrainians, state news agency Wam reported. This brings the total number of prisoners exchanged between the two countries to 2,883.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its appreciation to both countries for their co-operation in what was the 12th round of successful mediation since the beginning of last year. The ministry added that it would continue working to support all diplomatic efforts to reach a peaceful solution to the conflict in Ukraine and to mitigate the humanitarian effects of the crisis.
In October 2022, the UAE pledged $100 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine after an order from President Sheikh Mohamed. The move came a day after Sheikh Mohamed spoke to Mr Zelenskyy.
Peace talks
The UAE visit takes place as US and Russian officials plan to meet in Saudi Arabia over the next week to start talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, a US politician and sources said. Mr Zelenskyy said his country – invaded by Moscow on February 24, 2022 – had not been invited to the talks in Saudi Arabia, adding that Kyiv would not engage with Russia without consultation with its partners.
He landed in the UAE on the same day Sheikh Mohamed held high-level talks in Abu Dhabi with Denis Manturov, Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister. Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Manturov reviewed efforts to bolster the growing ties between the UAE and Russia as part of the strategic partnership in place between the nations.
The UAE leader extended his greetings to Russian President Vladimir Putin and expressed his hopes for further development and prosperity for Russia, during the talks at Qasr Al Shati in the capital, the state news agency Wam reported. Mr Manturov shared similar sentiments in return.
Sheikh Mohamed receives Volodymyr Zelenskyy - in pictures
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President Sheikh Mohamed receives Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, at an official reception at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi. Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court -
Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Zelenskyy witness the exchange of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement at Qasr Al Shati. Minister of State for Foreign Trade Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi and Yulia Svyrydenko, Ukraine's First Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development, exchange the agreement documents. Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court -
Sheikh Mohamed thanked Mr Zelenskyy for his co-operation in the UAE's mediation efforts for the exchange of prisoners in the Russia-Ukraine war. Abdulla Albedwawi / UAE Presidential Court -
Sheikh Mohamed bids farewell to Mr Zelenskyy. Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court -
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Adviser, greet Mr Zelenskyy. Abdulla Albedwawi / UAE Presidential Court -
Sheikh Abdullah, Sheikh Tahnoun and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs, greet Mr Zelenskyy. Abdulla Albedwawi / UAE Presidential Court -
A UAE Armed Forces guard of honour at the official reception at Qasr Al Shati. Abdulla Albedwawi / UAE Presidential Court -
A UAE Armed Forces guard of honour at Qasr Al Shati. Abdulla Albedwawi / UAE Presidential Court
