Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during his recent visit to the United Arab Emirates. The discussions primarily focused on regional security issues, including Iranian attacks and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
In a message posted on Telegram on March 28, Zelensky highlighted the importance of collaboration between the two nations in the fields of security and defense. He noted that the UAE leader acknowledged the contributions of Ukrainian experts in the Emirates.
“For Ukraine, it is also fundamentally important: terrorism must not prevail anywhere in the world. There must be sufficient protection everywhere. Therefore, we are open to joint efforts that will surely strengthen our nations and protect lives in our states,” Zelensky stated.
The two leaders also addressed the security situation in the UAE, the threats posed by Iran, and the implications of the Strait of Hormuz blockade on the global oil market. Zelensky emphasized that ensuring stability and protecting lives in the face of modern threats is crucial for all responsible nations.
“Ukraine has relevant expertise: our cities have unfortunately been under attack for four years during the full-scale war. Ukrainians have developed a defense system that achieves a significant success rate in intercepting enemy drones and missiles. This systematic approach and integration of experience is what we offer to our partners,” he added.
Additionally, Zelensky announced that Ukraine and the UAE have agreed to collaborate on security and defense matters, with teams currently finalizing the details of this partnership.
Previously, Zelensky mentioned that 228 Ukrainian specialists are stationed in the Middle East, assisting local air defense forces in countering Iranian drone attacks. He also reported receiving 11 requests for security support from neighboring countries of Iran, European nations, and the United States regarding the threat posed by Iranian Shahed drones and similar challenges.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to the UAE resulted in discussions on security cooperation, particularly regarding Iranian threats. Both nations aim to enhance their defense collaboration amidst ongoing regional tensions.