The Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Rustem Umerov, along with the NSDC team, continues active efforts to deepen cooperation with Middle Eastern countries to expand security partnerships. The main goal of this process is to establish long-term strategic agreements that will enhance the security of Ukraine and its partners in the region.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Deepening Strategic Cooperation
The National Security and Defense Council reports that Kyiv has already reached strategic agreements with Saudi Arabia and Qatar, while negotiations with the United Arab Emirates are in the final stages. At the same time, active work is ongoing with Jordan and Kuwait to expand security cooperation.
“Ukraine has already taken an important step: it has shared unique expertise in protecting civilians and critical infrastructure. This involves comprehensive solutions – from interceptors to building full-fledged defense lines, software, and electronic warfare. This approach is what creates a new quality of partnership,” states the NSDC.
Ukraine is now forming a “new model of cooperation” by signing decade-long agreements in the fields of security and military technologies. Such agreements entail joint technology development, investment attraction, and mutual strengthening of defense capabilities.
Mutually Beneficial Cooperation with Gulf Countries
According to the NSDC, strategic cooperation with the countries of the Gulf region is mutually beneficial for Ukraine. Kyiv shares its experience of modern warfare while also strengthening its own defense capabilities, particularly in countering ballistic threats and ensuring energy resilience. The agreement involves the establishment of comprehensive security systems with clear legal frameworks and long-term commitments.
Recently, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy conducted a tour of Middle Eastern countries, during which he discussed security partnership opportunities with King Abdullah II of Jordan on March 29. The day before, on March 28, Zelenskyy was in Qatar, where agreements were reached on a strategic defense partnership between Kyiv and Doha for a minimum of ten years. Ukraine and Saudi Arabia also signed a defense cooperation agreement.
The NSDC emphasizes that the current level of interaction with Middle Eastern countries is historic for Ukraine. Such cooperation allows for the creation of comprehensive and effective security systems in partnership with the states of the region, which is an important step towards strengthening national and regional stability.