Kuleba invites delegation of Saudi investors to visit Ukraine

The two ministers noted the positive dynamics of bilateral relations since their previous conversation last year, including the holding of the first political consultations between the foreign ministries in 11 years. The parties agreed to continue to maintain a high rate of development of relations between Ukraine and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Kuleba welcomed the significant increase in the number of tourists from Saudi Arabia in Ukraine, which became possible thanks to the abolition of visa requirements by Ukraine and the opening of direct flights. The minister expressed hope that the number of Saudi guests will increase next year, which should be facilitated, in particular, by providing Ukrainian carriers with additional permits for regular flights to Saudi Arabia.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud expressed gratitude for the hospitable reception of his compatriots, which strengthens friendly ties between the two countries.

Kuleba invited a delegation of Saudi investors and company executives to visit Ukraine to assess investment opportunities for doing business and the possibility of participating in large-scale privatization. The minister expressed hope that trade issues would be successfully considered at a meeting of the Ukrainian-Saudi Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation in Riyadh in October.

"Saudi investments are already successfully working in Ukraine, and we will welcome their increase. Ukraine is a country of new economic opportunities, especially in the fields of energy, IT, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, and industry," he said.

The Saudi FM noted strong trade ties and expressed confidence that the two countries have great potential for the development of trade and investment.

The parties expressed their readiness to work on the preparation of high-level visits. The Saudi minister accepted the invitation to visit Ukraine and invited his Ukrainian counterpart to pay a visit to Saudi Arabia.

As a reminder, in 2020, bilateral trade amounted to USD 820.9 million. Ukraine's positive foreign trade balance in 2020 was USD 617.2 million.

Last year, Saudi Arabia bought the first 60,000 tonnes of Ukrainian wheat. This year it plans to purchase another 120,000 tonnes.

ish