On October 19, Deputy Foreign Minister (CDTO) Dmytro Senik held a meeting with Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Ukraine Mohammed Al-Mussher.

The diplomats discussed the intensification of high-level bilateral political contacts, including the preparation for the next joint meeting of the Intergovernmental Ukrainian – Saudi Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation.

Dmytro Senik positively assessed the dynamics of trade between Ukraine and Saudi Arabia, as well as the unprecedented increase in tourist flow, which was made possible by the liberalization of the visa regime and opening of direct air flights between both countries in 2021.

Deputy Minister expressed hope for further expansion of Saudi investment in promising sectors of Ukraine’s economy.

The sides also exchanged views on issues of regional security on the Arabian Peninsula.

For reference: according to the State Statistics Service of Ukraine, the trade turnover between Ukraine and Saudi Arabia for 7 months of 2021 amounted to $394 million. Exports from Ukraine to Saudi Arabia comprised $314 million, imports from Saudi Arabia – $80 million, positive balance for Ukraine - $234 million.

According to the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, in May-July 2021, Ukraine was visited by about 30 thousand Saudi tourists, which is 8 times more than in the same period of 2019.