RIYADH — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to arrive in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, February 19, for an official visit, his spokesperson Sergiy Nykyforov confirmed to AFP on Monday.

Nykyforov described the trip as a "long-planned" engagement, which Zelensky himself previewed last week without specifying exact dates.

The Ukrainian president made it clear that he will not be meeting with any Russian or US officials who are scheduled to hold separate discussions in the kingdom on Tuesday, February 18.

The visit follows a meeting between Saudi and Ukrainian delegations on February 16, where officials explored investment opportunities and expanded bilateral cooperation.

Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Economic Minister Yulia Svyrydenko stated that Zelensky’s trip would focus on signing economic agreements with various regional partners.

Svyrydenko expressed optimism about deepening ties with Middle Eastern countries, highlighting key areas of interest such as infrastructure projects, energy investments, innovation, and agribusiness, particularly fertilizer production, where Saudi Arabia holds expertise.

Zelensky’s Saudi visit is part of a broader diplomatic tour, which will also include official trips to the United Arab Emirates and Turkey. — Agencies