(VOR News) – Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy convened a meeting with the leader of the United Arab Emirates on Monday amid growing optimism that peace negotiations will conclude Russia’s incursion into Ukraine.
Last week, US President Donald Trump proposed that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin convene in Saudi Arabia.
The United Arab Emirates, particularly Abu Dhabi and Dubai, have frequently been suggested as a potential location for peace negotiations due to the significant number of Russian and Ukrainian expats who have relocated there since the conflict began and the Emirates’ previous efforts to facilitate prisoner swaps.
Zelenskyy arrived in Abu Dhabi late on Sunday after attending the Munich Security Conference in Germany.
His office released video footage of him and his wife, Olena Zelenska, being welcomed at the airport by an Emirati official and an honour escort. Zelenskyy is currently in the United Arab Emirates for the first time since the crisis commenced.
Zelensky’s office declared that the primary objective is to repatriate additional individuals from captivity. “In addition to a comprehensive humanitarian program, we will prioritise investments and economic partnerships.”
Zelenskyy’s office published a video featuring Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, governor of the United Arab Emirates. Zelenskyy asserts that the authorities’ agreement “maximises the liberalisation of access to the UAE market for nearly all Ukrainian goods.”
In a Facebook post, Yuliia Svyrydenko, Ukraine’s finance minister, referred to the partnership as a “truly historic event” on account of it being the country’s first with a Gulf Arab state. The authorities have authorised the establishment of a Ukraine-UAE Investment Council.
Svyrydenko added: “I am confident that this agreement will substantially enhance our economies, fortify collaboration in critical sectors, and establish a foundation for enduring, stable relations between our nations.”
“Ukraine defends Europe.”
The UAE’s state-run WAM news agency subsequently verified the visit, stating that the two leaders “discussed multiple facets of their relationship, particularly economic, investment, and developmental relations, as well as renewable energy, food security, and additional domains.”
Sheikh Mohammed informed WAM that the UAE is committed to supporting initiatives that aim to mitigate the humanitarian consequences of the Ukrainian crisis and resolve it peacefully.
Zelenskyy’s visit to Abu Dhabi occurred during the biennial International Defence Exhibition and Conference, which was held in the city. Despite the fact that Moscow was subject to Western sanctions due to the ongoing conflict, both Russia and Ukraine exhibited armaments.
Ivan Sybyriakov, senior manager of the Unmanned Systems Centre at SPETS Techno Export, believes that Ukraine’s participation in the expo was crucial, despite the fact that the country did not sell any firearms. The foreign minister emphasised the importance of proving that Ukraine is not a victim of conflict. “Ukraine defends Europe.”
On Monday afternoon, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha visited the nation’s exhibitors, while Russia attempted to sell helicopters and other weaponry at the show.
According to Sybiha, “We are now capable of producing 4 million drones annually, despite the war.” In a combat scenario, it may be necessary to promptly assess the drones or our products. Consequently, they attain an exceptionally high level of academic achievement. I am delighted to be attending the fair as a preacher from a nation that has been torn apart by conflict.
Engaging in an open dialogue with Russia regarding the matter.
Dubai’s real estate market continues to attract Russian wealth. The frequent flights between the Emirates and Moscow are a critical escape route for Russians and affluent individuals who are evading conscription.
During the tenure of former President Joe Biden, the US Treasury expressed apprehension regarding the inflow of Russian funds into the Arabian Peninsula nation.
Sheikh Mohammed will engage in a meeting with Denis Manturov, Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister, during Zelensky’s visit on Sunday.
According to WAM, the primary subjects of discussion were “the improvement of UAE-Russia relations and the development of strategies to advance mutual interests that benefit both countries and their respective populations.”
This week, a delegation led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Saudi Arabia to engage in a direct dialogue with Russia regarding the matter. He will travel to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday to confer with other officials, including his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. The negotiations will not involve Ukraine.
Trump’s strategy and direct communication with Putin have undone the years of US policy that the Biden administration implemented to marginalise Moscow in anticipation of its invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
Before the meeting, a journalist enquired of Sybiha about what he would say to his American colleague; however, Sybiha declined to respond.
SOUCRE: AP
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