The Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, today received Petro Poroshenko, President of Ukraine, and his accompanying delegation.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid welcomed the Ukrainian President and discussed with him a number of political and economic issues of common interest, in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai.

The talks between the two leaders focused on bilateral relations between the two countries and peoples, and means of enhancing them in various economic, cultural, investment, and other fields that contribute to establishing a strong partnership based on mutual respect and realising the supreme national interests of both parties.

Sheikh Mohammed emphasised the importance of building relations between the two peoples, and providing mutual facilities for private companies and businessmen in both countries to provide joint investment opportunities especially in the science, knowledge, tourism fields, among others.

President Poroshenko praised the high level of progress and development witnessed by the UAE at various levels, expressing his hope that the visit will yield good results for the benefit of both countries. He also referred to the cultural diversity that characterises UAE society, who live in harmony and coexistence.

Sheikh Mohammed and President Poroshenko witnessed the signing of a number of Memorandums of Understanding, MoUs, and a bilateral agreement as a first step to expanding bilateral cooperation between the two sides.

The first MoU was signed by Dr. Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and Pavlo Klimkin, Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs, on mutual exemption of entry visas for all types of passports of citizens of both countries.

The second MoU was signed by Dr. Ahmad bin Abdullah Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Higher Education and Advanced Skills, and the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, on space exploration.

The third MoU was signed by Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, and Klimkin, on cultural cooperation.

The signing ceremony was attended by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and The Future, Obaid bin Humaid Al Tayer, Minister of State for Financial Affairs and head of the mission of honour accompanying the Ukrainian President, Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, Khalifa Saeed Sulaiman, Director-General of Dubai Protocol and Hospitality Department, Salem Ahmed Salem Al Kaabi, UAE Ambassador to Ukraine, and Yuriy Polurez, Ukrainian Ambassador to the UAE.