Cyprus News Agency

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that during their meetings with Syrian Foreign and Expatriates Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, they focused on a number of key areas and initiatives, foremost among them security.

Noting that the security of Europe and the Middle East is interconnected, Sybiha said, "We will continue to work together to ensure lasting peace for our peoples."

Minister Sybiha also said they discussed logistics, including the development of trade and maritime routes with high potential to deepen economic cooperation, adding that food security remains an important issue.

Sybiha also stated:

"Ukraine is ready to contribute to supporting stability in the region, including through initiatives such as 'Grain from Ukraine'. Since the signing of the joint statement on the re-establishment of diplomatic relations, bilateral trade has increased ninefold, and we see clear opportunities to expand it further.

As an important step to strengthen our partnership, we agreed to reopen our embassies in Kyiv and Damascus in the near future."