Jeddah, March 11, 2025 – His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, hosted a formal reception for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Royal Court in Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah. This significant event marked a milestone in Saudi-Ukrainian relations, with both leaders engaging in an official session of talks to discuss various aspects of their bilateral ties and the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.
The reception began with a warm welcome from HRH the Crown Prince, who expressed his pleasure in hosting President Zelenskyy in the Kingdom. In return, President Zelenskyy conveyed his appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to him and highlighted the importance of his visit to Saudi Arabia, underscoring the strategic importance of strengthening relations between the two nations. Both leaders took the opportunity to engage in candid discussions about the latest developments in Ukraine and the broader geopolitical situation.
During the session, the two sides reviewed the state of Saudi-Ukrainian bilateral relations, examining ways to enhance cooperation across various sectors, including trade, security, and humanitarian assistance. A key focus of the talks was the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. HRH the Crown Prince reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting international efforts aimed at resolving the crisis and working towards a peaceful resolution. The Kingdom’s position emphasized its continued support for diplomatic and multilateral initiatives that promote peace and stability in the region and beyond.
President Zelenskyy expressed his deep gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s efforts and contributions, recognizing the Kingdom’s influential role not only in the Middle East but also on the global stage. He commended Saudi Arabia’s leadership in promoting dialogue and peace, especially in complex geopolitical situations, and expressed hope that the Kingdom’s continued support would play a crucial role in Ukraine’s recovery and peace process.
The reception was attended by a number of senior Saudi officials, including Deputy Governor of Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, Minister of State and Cabinet Member Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz, Minister of National Guard Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of State, Member of the Cabinet, and National Security Advisor Dr. Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, Minister of Commerce Dr. Majid Al-Kassabi, Minister of Finance Mohammed Aljadaan, and Saudi Ambassador to Ukraine Mohammed Al-Barakah.
From the Ukrainian side, the reception was attended by high-ranking officials, including Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak, Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko, Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha, Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Vitalii Koval, Advisor to the President on Strategic Affairs Alexander Kamyshin, and Ukrainian Ambassador to the Kingdom Anatolii Petrenko.
This meeting is seen as an important step in furthering diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Ukraine, with both sides expressing their commitment to continued cooperation in addressing regional and global challenges. The talks reaffirmed the Kingdom’s ongoing role in supporting peace and stability, particularly in conflict zones like Ukraine, while also fostering closer ties with Ukraine in the fields of trade, defense, and diplomacy.
