Zelensky calls on Israel to complete ratification of FTA with Ukraine

The head of state noted that in the context of the coronavirus pandemic, support for bilateral trade is especially important for both countries.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on Israel to complete the ratification of the bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

"The head of state noted that in the context of the coronavirus pandemic, support for bilateral trade is especially important for both countries. He called on the Israeli party to complete the ratification of the bilateral Free Trade Agreement signed on January 21, 2019, as soon as possible," the president's press service reported following a phone conversation between Zelensky and Prime Minister of the State of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Ukrainian president also congratulated the Israeli prime minister on his accession to office and wished him success in his work.

"Congratulations on your appointment as Prime Minister and the formation of your government. I am impressed by your political skills – the story of the formation of the unity government is incredible," Zelensky said.

The Ukrainian president stressed that Ukraine and Israel have always been and will continue to be reliable friends and partners.

As UNIAN reported earlier, on January 21, 2019, the then Ukraine's Minister of Economic Development and Trade Stepan Kubiv and Israel's Minister of the Economy and Industry Eli Cohen signed an agreement on a free trade area between the two countries.

On August 6, Zelensky signed the law ratifying the agreement between the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Government of Israel on a free trade area.

The Israeli side is yet to ratify the deal.