- January 2, 2025
- 5:54 pm
- Middle East
Ukraine is gradually taking on a new role in the Middle East, establishing ties with Syria and Lebanon. These steps strengthen its influence in the region, which directly affects Israeli interests.
These steps indicate about Kyiv’s desire to take Russia’s place in the region, but with a different approach – through partnership and cooperation, rather than destruction.
President Zelensky saidthat Ukraine strives to maintain its connections with the whole world and open new markets.
“We are building connections that will help Ukraine strengthen its position on the world stage,” he noted.
According to Zelensky, Foreign Minister Andrei Sibiga and agricultural policymaker Vitaliy Koval held important negotiations with the new Syrian administration and business partners in Lebanon. As a result, it was decided to resume diplomatic relations with Syria and strengthen cooperation in international organizations.
“We are preparing to at least double trade with Lebanon – currently it is $400 million in agricultural exports. And with Syria we are preparing to resume diplomatic contacts and new common projects,” Zelensky noted.
Restoring relations with Syria
After the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime, Ukraine began negotiations with the new Syrian administration. A delegation led by Foreign Minister Andrei Sibiga visited Damascus to discuss diplomatic and economic cooperation.
Main results of the visit:
- Restoration of diplomatic relations: This decision strengthens Ukraine's presence in the Middle East.
- Economic prospects: supplies of Ukrainian wheat and flour, which is especially important in conditions of a humanitarian crisis.
- Joint international projects: Ukraine offered cooperation in international organizations.
Lebanon: doubling trade turnover
Ukraine is also seeking to strengthen economic ties with Lebanon. President Vladimir Zelensky announced his intention to double the volume of trade with this country, which currently stands at $400 million.
“We are preparing to increase trade with Lebanon at least twice,” Zelensky emphasized.
This speaks to Ukraine's long-term strategy to strengthen partnerships in the Middle East.
Ukraine in the Middle East: an alternative to Russia
Unlike Russia, whose influence in the region was built on military interventions and support for authoritarian regimes, Ukraine emphasizes peaceful cooperation.
The main differences between the approaches:
| Parameter | Russia | Ukraine |
|---|---|---|
| Influence strategy | Military intervention, support for dictatorships | Diplomacy, economic cooperation |
| Economic measures | Export of resources, pressure | Support for humanitarian initiatives, trade |
| Relations with Syria | Support for the Assad regime | Restoring relations with the new administration |
Ukraine on the borders of Israel: a new player in the region
The changes taking place in the Middle East are important for Israel. The restoration of Ukrainian-Syrian ties could affect the geopolitical situation in the region.
- Declining Russian influence: After the fall of the Assad regime, Russia is losing its position in Syria, and Ukraine is strengthening its influence.
- Economic integration: Ukrainian exports can become a significant factor for Israel’s neighbors.
- Geopolitical security: Ukraine, as a partner of the West, can help stabilize the region.
NAnews — Israeli news emphasizes that the strengthening of Ukrainian positions in Syria and Lebanon opens up new prospects for cooperation between Kiev and Tel Aviv.
Results
Ukraine is gradually taking on a new role in the Middle East, establishing ties with Syria and Lebanon. These steps strengthen its influence in the region, which directly affects Israeli interests.
The Ukrainian approach is a desire for peace, cooperation and economic development, which is radically different from the Russian strategy. This opens up new prospects not only for Ukraine, but also for its partners, including Israel.
Read more about the diplomatic and economic changes that are affecting the region on the website NAnews — Israel News.
…
Read on WhatsApp – channel NAnews ↓ — Israel News
Read on Telegram – channel NAnews ↓ — Israel News
