The Emirates News Agency reported that UAE leaders congratulate President of Ukraine on Independence Day as President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, dispatched a message to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The communication extended best wishes for the Ukrainian people to achieve further development and prosperity. Such gestures form part of the longstanding diplomatic exchanges between the two countries.
Ukraine observes its Independence Day each year on August 24 to commemorate its 1991 declaration of sovereignty following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The date has taken on added significance amid the nation’s recent history. Leaders from around the world often use the occasion to extend formal greetings to their Ukrainian counterparts.
Bilateral relations between the UAE and Ukraine have expanded since diplomatic ties were first established in 1992. The UAE Ministry of Economy data shows the non-oil trade volume between the countries surpassed AED1.4 billion in 2022. A subsequent Reuters report placed the 2023 non-oil trade figure at $385.8 million.
Negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement reached completion in April 2024, as detailed in statements from both governments. The deal aims to eliminate tariffs on a wide range of goods and facilitate greater investment flows. Joint investments between the nations totaled about $360 million by the close of 2022, according to official filings.
Humanitarian cooperation has also featured prominently in the relationship. The UAE has contributed to international efforts providing relief to Ukrainian civilians. These initiatives complement the regular high-level communications maintained by officials from both sides.
Similar congratulatory messages have been issued by UAE leaders on previous Independence Days, including in 2022 as reported by The National newspaper. In 2019, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs documented comparable greetings sent to the Ukrainian president. These communications have occurred annually as part of standard diplomatic protocol between the two nations.
