Zelensky Announces Building Security and Defense Partnerships with Gulf Countries

SadaNews - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that his country is working on building security and defense partnerships with several Gulf countries, mentioning "historic agreements" with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar.

Zelensky added in his evening speech on Monday after a visit to the Middle East and the Gulf region that Ukraine "is also working with Jordan and Kuwait, and has received inquiries from Bahrain and Oman".

He explained that Ukraine is exporting defense systems, military expertise, and technical knowledge, expecting that collaboration will take place in security areas in return. Agreements have already been reached to enhance air defense, joint development of armaments, and cooperation in the energy sector.

Zelensky continued in his evening televised address, discussing his Middle Eastern tour: "It was a very fruitful visit to the Middle East and the Gulf. You can clearly sense the positive attitude towards Ukraine, towards our soldiers and expertise. There is great respect for Ukraine, and I am grateful to their leaders for that".

The Ukrainian president added that there is a mutual vision among the countries in the region to work with his country, its defense forces, and Ukrainian experts, noting that security and restoring stability are top priorities for everyone, emphasizing that every nation deserves to live in peace.

Zelensky mentioned in his speech that "there are indeed existing agreements, historical agreements between Ukraine, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. We are also working with Jordan and Kuwait".

Zelensky had recently conducted a Gulf tour that included Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the UAE.

Since February 28, Gulf countries and Jordan have been subjected to attacks by Iranian drones and missiles, causing damage to various urban facilities, including airports, ports, and oil facilities.