Reem Al Hashimy Leads UAE Delegation On Official Visit To Ukraine For Business And Humanitarian Cooperation

Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, the UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Special Envoy to Ukraine, led a delegation to Ukraine. The visit aimed at enhancing business and investment ties, deepening economic cooperation, and expanding humanitarian efforts. This initiative highlights the UAE's comprehensive approach to supporting Ukraine's stability, recovery, and long-term development.

During her visit, Al Hashimy met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. She conveyed greetings from President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. In recognition of the UAE’s support for Ukraine and its humanitarian collaborations, President Zelenskyy awarded Reem Al Hashimy the Order of Princess Olga, First Class, one of Ukraine’s highest civilian honours.

The discussions during the visit focused on enhancing cooperation in various sectors such as trade, investment, digital transformation, infrastructure, agriculture, and renewable energy. These talks supported the ratification and implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed in February 2025. This agreement aims to boost economic ties between the two nations.

Al Hashimy also engaged with several high-ranking Ukrainian officials. Meetings were held with Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President; Andrii Sybiha, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Oleksii Sobolev, Minister of Economy; and Denys Shmyhal, Minister of Defence. These interactions underscored the commitment to fostering strategic partnerships across key sectors.

On the humanitarian front, Al Hashimy met with First Lady Olena Zelenska. They signed a US$5 million partnership agreement with the Olena Zelenska Foundation. This initiative supports psychosocial recovery centres, safe schools programmes, and foster-family initiatives. Al Hashimy visited a UAE-supported foster family home to witness firsthand the impact of these projects.

The UAE has been actively involved in providing aid since the conflict began. Efforts include supporting foster family homes, supplying relief materials like ambulances and generators, and offering essential services that have benefited over 1.2 million people in Ukraine. These actions are part of a broader strategy to provide immediate relief while fostering long-term recovery.

Commitment to Peacebuilding

Reaffirming its dedication to regional stability and humanitarian diplomacy, the UAE has played a significant role in mediating captive exchanges. To date, 17 facilitations have resulted in freeing 4,641 captives from both sides. Al Hashimy emphasised ongoing efforts towards peacebuilding dialogue and trust-building measures.

The delegation included Salem Al Kaabi, UAE Ambassador to Ukraine; Sultan Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister for Development and International Organisations; along with other senior officials and business stakeholders. Their presence reflects the UAE's commitment to broadening strategic engagement with Ukraine.

This visit by Reem Al Hashimy highlights the UAE's strategic vision for partnership with Ukraine. It combines economic investment, private-sector collaboration, and humanitarian assistance as interconnected elements for sustainable development and lasting peace.

With inputs from WAM