MANAMA, BAHRAIN – Speaker of the UAE Federal National Council Saqr Ghobash discussed ways to enhance cooperation with First Deputy Chairman of Ukraine Verkhovna Rada (Parliament) Oleksandr Kornienko on the sidelines of the 146th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union held here.
During the meeting, they discussed parliamentary cooperation between the two sides, through exchanging visits and enhancing coordination and consultation on various issues of mutual interest.
The move comes even as the UAE on Friday sent an aircraft carrying 14 tonnes of relief aid, including blankets, personal care supplies and LED bulbs to help the people of Ukraine.
This shipment will first be airlifted to the Polish capital Warsaw, and then sent to Ukraine.
Since the beginning of the crisis, the UAE has provided relief supplies to those affected by the crisis in Ukraine.
In October 2022, it was announced that US$100 million would be provided to Ukrainian civilians.
The UAE established an air bridge that sent 11 aircraft carrying approximately 550 tonnes of relief supplies, including two aircraft from the International Humanitarian City in Dubai, with basic food and medical items.
On March 8, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi had a meeting with Ukraine First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Agriculture Yulia Svyrydenko at the Ministry of Economy’s headquarters in Dubai.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi affirmed the importance of bilateral relations between the two countries when he met with Ukraine Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Agriculture Taras Kachka.
The two sides discussed enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest including real estate, transportation, energy, agriculture, technology, manufacturing industries and retail trade.
The two expressed the hope that this would support the growth of trade and mutual investments.
In December 2022, the UAE announced the launch of preliminary talks to reach a comprehensive economic partnership agreement with Ukraine.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi briefed the Ukrainian minister on the UAE’s achievements to build an investment environment that encourage the growth and prosperity of business in economic and commercial activities, and build international partnerships with targeted strategic markets.
“The UAE, through the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA) program, signed four agreements with India, Israel, Indonesia and Turkey in line with the vision of its wise leadership aimed at building a solid national economy based on openness, competitiveness and innovation,” he said.