Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba had a phone conversation with Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.

The heads of Ukrainian and Saudi diplomacy noted the positive dynamics of bilateral relations since their previous conversation last year, including the first political consultations between the Foreign Ministries in 11 years. The parties agreed to continue to maintain a high pace of development of relations between Ukraine and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Dmytro Kuleba welcomed the significant increase in the number of tourists from Saudi Arabia in Ukraine which became possible by the abolition of visa requirements by Ukraine and the opening of direct flights between the two countries. 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.

Dmytro Kuleba invited a delegation of Saudi investors and company executives to visit our country to assess investment opportunities for doing business and the possibilities of participating in the large-scale privatization program. He also expressed expectation that trade issues would be successfully considered in October at a regular meeting of the Intergovernmental Ukrainian-Saudi Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation in Riyadh.

"Saudi investment is already working well in Ukraine, and we welcome its increase. Ukraine is a country of new economic opportunities, especially in the fields of energy, IT, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture and industry, ”- Kuleba said.

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

The parties expressed readiness to work on the preparation of visits at the highest level. The Saudi Minister accepted the invitation to visit Ukraine and invited his Ukrainian counterpart to pay a visit to Saudi Arabia.

For reference: According to the results of 2020, the volume of bilateral trade amounted to USD 820.9 million. 

Ukraine's positive foreign trade balance in 2020 amounted to USD 617.2 million.

The Sixth meeting of the Intergovernmental Ukrainian-Saudi Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation took place in Kyiv on November 21-23, 2018. 

Last year, Saudi Arabia bought the first 60 thousand tons of wheat in Ukraine, and this year it is planned to purchase another 120 thousand tons.