Ukraine and UAE sign Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement

On 17 February 2025, Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in Abu Dhabi, marking a historic deepening of bilateral economic ties between the two nations. The treaty was concluded during an official state visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and was witnessed by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, underscoring the strategic importance both countries place on economic cooperation. The CEPA immediately eliminates customs duties on 99 % of Emirati goods imported into Ukraine and 97 % of Ukrainian exports to the UAE, significantly expanding market access and reducing trade barriers for businesses in both countries. The agreement is expected to boost economic growth and investment flows, contributing an estimated US $369 million to the UAE’s GDP and US $874 million to Ukraine’s economy by 2031, while supporting Ukraine’s ongoing economic recovery and diversification efforts. It also opens new opportunities for cooperation in infrastructure, technology, manufacturing, energy, agriculture, and other key sectors. The CEPA is the first such deal Ukraine has signed with a Gulf Cooperation Council country and represents a major step in strengthening trade, investment, and long-term economic partnership between Kyiv and Abu Dhabi. Both leaders highlighted the potential of the agreement to catalyse broader regional integration and mutual prosperity.