UAE, Ukraine sign CEPA deal during Zelensky’s Abu Dhabi visit
A major milestone of the visit was the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and Ukraine
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Abu Dhabi on Monday as the two nations sought to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties.
During their meeting at Qasr Al Shati, Sheikh Mohamed reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to fostering international partnerships and supporting peaceful conflict resolution. Discussions covered economic cooperation, investment, development, renewable energy, and food security, aligning with both countries’ strategic priorities.
A major milestone of the visit was the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and Ukraine, marking a new chapter in trade and investment collaboration.
“I met today with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Abu Dhabi for talks that explored ways to deepen ties between the UAE and Ukraine. 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 cooperation and understanding to promote peace, stability, and prosperity for all,” Sheikh Mohamed said in a post on X.
Another key discussion point was the UAE’s role in mediating prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and Russia. Sheikh Mohamed thanked Zelensky for Ukraine’s cooperation, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a neutral humanitarian mediator.
I met today with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (@ZelenskyyUa) in Abu Dhabi for talks that explored ways to deepen ties between the UAE and Ukraine. Together we witnessed the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which signals a new era of trade and investment… pic.twitter.com/ozOjFMPavf
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) February 17, 2025
Zelensky expressed gratitude for the UAE’s diplomatic and humanitarian support while highlighting broader opportunities for economic cooperation.
“I had a meaningful conversation with President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi. One of our key topics today was the return of our people from Russian captivity. The UAE’s mediation has saved many lives. We are grateful for this crucial cooperation and today we discussed how to continue it. An important economic agreement between our countries was signed today, which liberalises access to the UAE market for nearly all Ukrainian goods. This will make it easier for our companies to sell their products in the UAE,” he wrote on X.
Following the discussions, Sheikh Mohamed hosted a luncheon in honour of the Ukrainian delegation.
Senior UAE officials, including Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed, attended the meeting alongside several ministers and advisors.
The visit marks a significant step in deepening UAE-Ukraine relations, particularly in economic and humanitarian cooperation.
Visit to the United Arab Emirates. I had a meaningful conversation with President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan @MohamedBinZayed in Abu Dhabi.
One of our key topics today is the return of our people from Russian captivity. The UAE’s mediation has saved many lives. We are grateful… pic.twitter.com/5cCzg9keW8
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 17, 2025
