Ukraine and Saudi Arabia have signed an important agreement on defense cooperation. The signing took place during President Volodymyr Zelensky’s official visit to Saudi Arabia, where he held talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud in the city of Jeddah.
This is reported by Kyiv24
A New Foundation for Technological Contracts and Investments
According to the president, the signed document lays the groundwork for future contracts, technological partnerships, and investments between the two countries. Additionally, the agreement enhances Ukraine’s international status as one of the key security donors in the world. Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized Ukraine’s readiness to share its expertise and systems with Saudi Arabia to strengthen the protection of the populations of both states.
“We are ready to share our expertise and systems with Saudi Arabia and collaborate to enhance the protection of lives. For five years now, Ukrainians have been fighting against the same terrorist strikes using ballistic missiles and drones that the Iranian regime is currently inflicting on the Middle East and the Gulf region. And Saudi Arabia has what Ukraine is interested in. This cooperation can be mutually beneficial,” he stressed.
Ukrainian Experts to Assist Middle Eastern Countries
During the talks, the situation in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf region was discussed, including the influence of the Russian Federation in supporting the Iranian regime, as well as issues related to fuel markets and the potential for energy cooperation. Special attention was given to countering Iranian drone and ballistic missile attacks, which pose a common threat to many countries in the region.
Earlier, Volodymyr Zelensky expressed Ukraine’s readiness to assist Middle Eastern states in defending against Iranian attacks. As of mid-March, 201 Ukrainian specialists in countering Iranian Shahed-type drones are working in the region, with another 34 specialists ready for deployment. In particular, Ukrainian experts are already providing assistance in Saudi Arabia.
The President of Ukraine also proposed cooperation with Middle Eastern countries based on a “quiet exchange” — providing specialized assistance in exchange for modern missiles for air defense systems.