Counsulate Of Ukraine

The importance of Ukraine's relations with the Middle East is defined by the role and place of this region in the modern system of international political, economic and security co-ordinates.

Mutual aspiration of Ukraine and Middle Eastern countries to promote relations is evidenced from their broad diplomatic presence: Ukraine has its Embassies in Jordan, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and the Representative Office of Ukraine functions in the Palestinian National Authority. Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria and the United Arab Emirates have established their Embassies in Kyiv.

Ukraine's interestedness in expanding trade and economic cooperation with the countries of the region is prompted by their relative geographic proximity, strong demand for Ukrainian products (mainly metals and agriculture, chemical industry and mechanical engineering), the possibility of diversification of energy sources, significant investment potential.

Ukraine and countries in the region are also tied by human factor: thousands of Ukrainian nationals live in the Middle East, while thousands of students from Middle Eastern countries study at Ukrainian higher education institutions. Promotion of human contacts is facilitated by steps taken recently by Ukraine to liberalize visa regime for citizens of some countries in the region; in addition, visa regime with Israel was abolished in 2011. Direct flights are established between Ukraine and Jordan, Israel, Lebanon, and the UAE.