Riyadh: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a significant development in defense cooperation between Ukraine and Saudi Arabia during his visit to the Gulf nation. This announcement came after an agreement was reached between the defense ministries of the two countries, as stated by Zelenskyy on the US social media platform X.
According to Anadolu Agency, the agreement was signed prior to Zelenskyy's meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Ukrainian president emphasized that this arrangement sets the stage for future contracts, technological cooperation, and investments, enhancing Ukraine's role as an international security contributor.
During his meeting with the crown prince, Zelenskyy discussed various topics, including the situation in the Middle East and Gulf region, developments in fuel markets, and potential avenues for energy cooperation. The Ukrainian president arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, where he had scheduled several important meetings.
Earlier on Friday, Zelenskyy also engaged with a group of Ukrainian military experts who have been stationed in the Gulf nation for the past week. Their presence is part of efforts to counter Iranian drone activities.