Ukraine and Saudi Arabia Discuss Middle East
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy held a phone call with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss the situation in the Middle East and Ukraine. The call was held on October 23, 2023 and was the first contact between the two leaders since Zelenskiy took office in 2019.
Zelenskiy’s Background
Zelenskiy is a former comedian and actor who was elected president in 2019. He has been a vocal critic of Russia and has sought to improve Ukraine’s relations with the West. He has also sought to improve Ukraine’s ties with Saudi Arabia, which has been a major investor in the country.
Ukraine and Saudi Arabia’s Relationship
Ukraine and Saudi Arabia have had a long-standing relationship. In 2018, Saudi Arabia invested $1 billion in Ukraine’s economy. The two countries have also signed a number of agreements, including a free trade agreement in 2019.
Zelenskiy and Bin Salman’s Call
During the call, Zelenskiy and bin Salman discussed the situation in the Middle East and Ukraine. They also discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
Ukraine’s Interest in the Middle East
Ukraine has been increasingly interested in the Middle East in recent years. In 2020, Ukraine opened an embassy in the United Arab Emirates. Ukraine has also sought to increase its presence in the region, including by participating in the United Nations’ peacekeeping mission in Syria.
Ukraine’s Role in the Middle East
Ukraine has sought to play a role in the Middle East, particularly in the conflict between Israel and Palestine. In 2020, Ukraine voted in favor of a United Nations resolution calling for an end to the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories. Ukraine has also sought to mediate between the two sides.
Ukraine’s Role in the Region
Ukraine has also sought to play a role in the region’s security. In 2020, Ukraine signed a defense cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia. The agreement includes the exchange of military personnel and the sharing of intelligence.
Ukraine and Saudi Arabia’s Future Relationship
The call between Zelenskiy and bin Salman is seen as a sign of the two countries’ commitment to strengthening their relationship. It is expected that the two countries will continue to cooperate in the future, particularly in the areas of security and economic development.
Conclusion
The call between Zelenskiy and bin Salman is a sign of the growing relationship between Ukraine and Saudi Arabia. The two countries have a long-standing relationship and have sought to strengthen their ties in recent years. The two countries have also sought to play a role in the Middle East, particularly in the conflict between Israel and Palestine. It is expected that the two countries will continue to cooperate in the future, particularly in the areas of security and economic development.