Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on Saturday that he met with United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in security and defence.
“Our teams will finalise the details,” Zelenskiy wrote on the Telegram app. According to the Emirati state news agency WAM, the discussions also focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation under the Comprehensive Economic Agreement between Ukraine and the UAE, though specific details were not disclosed.
Talks Aim to Counter Regional Threats
The meeting comes amid escalating regional tensions and security concerns, particularly due to repeated Iranian-backed drone and missile attacks targeting Ukraine and its allies. Ukrainian officials said that bolstering partnerships with the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia is part of Kyiv’s broader strategy to counter threats and ensure regional and global stability.
Exploring Bilateral Cooperation
The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen economic and defence ties, building on the existing Comprehensive Economic Agreement. While WAM did not elaborate, analysts say these talks reflect Ukraine’s effort to deepen ties with Gulf countries and diversify its security partnerships.
Regional Security and Global Implications
Zelenskiy and Sheikh Mohammed also reviewed the ongoing military escalation in the Middle East, considering its potential effects on international navigation, global trade routes, and the world economy, according to WAM. The meeting underscores the connection between regional security and global economic stability.
Zelenskiy’s Middle East Diplomatic Tour
Zelenskiy began his Middle East visit in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, where Ukraine signed a defence cooperation agreement with the Saudi defence ministry. On Saturday, he traveled to Qatar to continue his tour, signaling Kyiv’s commitment to strengthening strategic alliances across the Gulf region.
Ukraine’s foreign minister confirmed on Friday that the country is close to finalizing several security agreements with the UAE and Qatar to counter Iranian attacks and boost Ukraine’s defensive readiness.
