Rima Al Hashimi, Minister of State for International Cooperation of the UAE, and Taras Kachka, Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, chaired the fourth meeting of the UAE-Ukraine Joint Committee, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Abu Dhabi. The meeting saw the participation of senior officials and representatives from approximately 30 government and private sector entities from both sides, reflecting the mutual interest in enhancing bilateral cooperation in priority areas such as trade and investment, energy and renewables, industry, logistics, agriculture and water, health, space, culture, sports, and youth empowerment. During the meeting, Al Hashemi highlighted that the Joint Committee is a vital platform for reviewing the progress achieved since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1992, stressing that bilateral relations have continued to develop on the foundations of mutual trust, constructive dialogue, and alignment of development goals. She expressed confidence that the implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) will contribute to expanding trade and investment links and opening new horizons for the business communities of both countries. Al Hashemi called on the UAE business community to explore cooperation opportunities in Ukrainian markets, particularly in ports and logistics, construction, and conventional and renewable energy. The Joint Committee's meeting took place amid the growing momentum of UAE-Ukrainian relations, as both sides seek to expand areas of cooperation and enhance coordination between government institutions and the private sector, contributing to the creation of transcontinental partnerships and global prosperity. The UAE affirmed its continuous commitment to supporting Ukraine's economic recovery efforts by strengthening work in priority development sectors, encouraging investment-driven growth, and contributing to the reconstruction of vital infrastructure, alongside related humanitarian activities. Al Hashemi welcomed the hosting of trilateral consultations last week in Abu Dhabi, bringing together Russia, Ukraine, and the United States to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which underscores the international community's confidence in the country's leading role and its steadfast approach to supporting peace, turning challenges into real opportunities for the peoples of both countries and the entire region. She appreciated the efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump in facilitating these talks, consolidating stability, and pushing towards a political track. Al Hashemi also praised the UAE's mediation role, having successfully brokered 17 prisoner exchange processes between Russia and Ukraine, resulting in the release of 4,641 captives from both sides, reflecting the depth of relations between the UAE and the two nations and embodying its role as a trusted mediator in supporting diplomatic and humanitarian solutions. At the conclusion of the meeting, a minutes of the Joint Committee's work was signed, with both sides emphasizing the importance of continuing consultations and enhancing coordination among relevant entities. Additionally, on the sidelines of the committee's work, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ukraine's Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture to cooperate in the field of food security. The memorandum aims to exchange expertise and data, as well as encourage trade partnerships and joint investments in agriculture, manufacturing, and distribution of agricultural products, within the framework of the shared approach to expand cooperation in the upcoming phase.
