Delegations from Saudi Arabia and Ukraine met to discuss increased cooperation ahead of President Zelensky’s visit, where he aims to sign economic agreements. While U.S. officials plan to meet with Russian representatives, Ukraine asserts it will not participate in those talks, emphasizing a focus on bilateral relations with Middle Eastern nations.
On February 16, delegations from Saudi Arabia and Ukraine convened to discuss enhancing investment and bilateral cooperation, in anticipation of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia. This meeting indicates growing ties between the two nations as Zelensky prepares to sign economic agreements during his trip.
The Ukrainian delegation is actively working with local officials for the President’s visit. First Deputy Prime Minister and Economic Minister Yulia Svyrydenko expressed optimism about future investments from Middle Eastern countries, particularly in sectors such as infrastructure, energy, agribusiness, and fertilizer production.
Zelensky recently indicated his intention to officially visit Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey but emphasized that he would not engage in discussions with either Russian or American officials during these trips. U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, are preparing to meet with Russian representatives soon, although the specifics of the Russian delegation remain undisclosed.
Rubio characterized the forthcoming talks as preliminary, noting that substantial negotiations concerning the conflict should involve Ukraine and European parties. Additionally, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia to advance discussions on a ceasefire between Kyiv and Moscow.
Ukrainian officials have dismissed any notions of participating in the dialogues between U.S. and Russian officials in Riyadh. Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor to President Zelensky, stated that there is currently “nothing on the negotiating table that would be worth discussing,” asserting that, “Russia is not ready for negotiations.”
The recent discussions between Ukraine and Saudi Arabia highlight an increasing focus on bilateral investment and cooperation, particularly in vital sectors such as infrastructure and agribusiness. President Zelensky’s strategic visits to Middle Eastern nations aim to foster these relationships while clearly delineating Ukraine’s nonparticipation in discussions involving Russian officials. The backdrop of U.S. efforts to engage Russia suggests a complex international dynamic surrounding the ongoing conflict.
Original Source: kyivindependent.com
