Ukraine and Saudi Arabia have signed defense cooperation agreement, - Zelenskyy
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced an important agreement between the defense ministries of Ukraine and Saudi Arabia on defense cooperation.
The head of state made the announcement on Telegram, according to Censor.NET.
What is known?
"Prior to the start of our meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, a relevant document was signed. It lays the groundwork for future contracts, technological cooperation, and investments, and strengthens Ukraine’s international role as a security contributor," the president noted.
According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine is ready to share its expertise and systems with Saudi Arabia and to cooperate in order to better protect lives.
"For five years now, Ukrainians have been fighting against the very same ballistic missile and drone attacks that the Iranian regime is currently launching against the Middle East and the Gulf region. And Saudi Arabia has what Ukraine is interested in. This cooperation could be mutually beneficial.
We also discussed the situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region in general, Russia’s support for the Iranian regime, the situation on fuel markets, and potential energy cooperation," the president concluded.
What led up to this?
As a reminder, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had previously spoken of the specific achievements of Ukrainian units in defending Middle Eastern countries from Iranian attacks.
- Zelenskyy had previously stated that three professional Ukrainian teams had been deployed to the Middle East. They will operate in various countries across the region to combat Iranian drones. In exchange for this assistance, Kyiv expects to receive missiles for Patriot air defence systems.
- Ukraine has provided the United States with drone interception technology to enhance security in the Middle East.
- It is known that on 26 March, Zelenskyy arrived on a visit to Saudi Arabia.
- Zelenskyy met in Saudi Arabia with Ukrainian military experts who have been working in the country for over a week.
