UAE-Ukraine Cepa in focus as both countries seek stronger relations

Dr Thani al-Zeyoudi, UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade, recently hosted a business roundtable that included Emirati officials and businesses alongside a high-ranking Ukrainian delegation led by Yulia Svyrydenko.

The first Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine highlighted that the signing of the UAE-Ukraine Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (Cepa) marks another era of friendship and collaboration.

She noted the great opportunity for businesses in both countries, stating that they are going to play an important role in improving trade and investment relations, especially in sectors such as energy projects, logistics, healthcare, manufacturing and transportation.

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

UAE-Ukraine Cepa to strengthen bilateral trade relations

The recent discussions focused on exploring promising UAE-Ukraine economic opportunities, especially in infrastructure projects, under the recently signed Cepa. The deal seeks to strengthen bilateral trade relations.

Signed in the presence of UAE President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, the UAE-Ukraine Cepa is expected to contribute $369 million to the UAE’s GDP and $874 million to Ukraine’s GDP by 2031.

Dr Thani al-Zeyoudi emphasised the significance of the gathering, highlighting that the Cepa “opens opportunities for strategic investments across vital sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture and technology.”

UAE committed to supporting sustainable peace efforts

The successful conclusion of the recent roundtable discussion significantly strengthened the UAE-Ukraine bilateral relations, building on the Cepa and the 28 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed in 2021, valued at more than $3 billion.

During the official visit of President Zelensky, both leaders expressed appreciation for the current level of bilateral engagement and noted the steady and positive development of relations in the past 30 years.

During the June 2024 Peace Summit on Ukraine, the UAE expressed its readiness to reinforce peacemaking efforts and deploy all its resources and tools to support a sustainable end to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Ukraine voiced confidence in the UAE’s leadership.