Kuwait recently showed its support for Ukraine’s efforts towards post-war reconstruction, making it one of the few Middle Eastern countries to do so. Earlier, Saudi and the UAE were among the first among the GCC countries to provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
During a visit to Kuwait on April 18, Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba met with Waleed Al-Bahar, who is the acting director of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, to invite Kuwait to participate in Ukraine’s reconstruction. The talks focused on social and humanitarian projects, particularly the construction of schools and hospitals.
Read more: The construction impact of the Russia-Ukraine war
Oleg Nikolenko, Ukraine’s foreign ministry spokesperson, announced on April 18 via Facebook that Kuwait had pledged $1 million for the purchase and installation of electric generators.
Kuwait is also exploring other opportunities to support Ukraine’s reconstruction through the Kuwaiti Arab Economic Development Fund, which currently participates in development projects in multiple countries totaling $21.8 billion. The funding will prioritize the building of new hospitals, schools, and kindergartens, according to Nikolenko.
Ukraine’s government, along with the World Bank, the European Commission, and the United Nations, conducted a joint assessment last month, which estimated that the cost of reconstructing Ukraine is now at $411 billion. Therefore, the support of Kuwait and other nations will be critical in helping Ukraine rebuild and recover from the devastating effects of the war.
UAE
In October 2022, the UAE sent $100 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine following an order from President Sheikh Mohamed. The aid was sent to Ukrainian civilians affected by the crisis, Wam news agency reported. The move came a day after Sheikh Mohamed spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
In March 2023, the UAE sent 14 tonnes of aid for war-ravaged Ukraine. The aid delivery included blankets, LED bulbs, and personal care supplies, the Emirates News Agency reported.
Saudi
In February, Saudi Arabia signed an agreement and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Ukraine, providing the country with $400 million in humanitarian aid during a high-level delegation’s visit to Kyiv, the Saudi foreign ministry said.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan led the Kingdom’s delegation and was received by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the presidential residence in Kyiv.
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