On 14 July, Deputy Foreign Minister  of Ukraine Mariana Betsa received copies of the credentials from the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Ukraine, Mohamed Matar Alkhyeli. 

Mariana Betsa congratulated the diplomat on assuming his important duties as Head of the diplomatic mission in Ukraine at this exceptionally difficult time, amid the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against our country. 

The Deputy Minister expressed Ukraine’s solidarity with the United Arab Emirates amid the deterioration of the security situation in the Gulf region. She emphasized that Ukraine, which continues to resist the Russian Federation’s full-scale armed aggression, is particularly aware of the importance of ensuring strict compliance with international law, preventing further escalation, and safeguarding regional and global stability. 

In this context, Mariana Betsa reaffirmed Ukraine’s unwavering support for de-escalation, freedom of navigation, and unimpeded passage through the Strait of Hormuz. She also strongly condemned the Iranian attack on Emirati tankers on 14 July, as a result of which two Ukrainian crew members of the vessels were injured. 

During the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their mutual commitment to further deepening the Ukraine-UAE partnership, noting the positive momentum in bilateral cooperation and the significant intensification of political dialogue and contacts at the high and highest levels in 2026.