Speaking in a video address March 30 after returning to Ukraine, Zelenskyy said the trip to the region “was very useful” and that leaders there showed strong respect for Ukraine, its armed forces, and expertise.
“We are exporting our defense systems, the skills of our soldiers, and the knowledge of our state,” he said.
“From these partners we expect appropriate security cooperation. We have already agreed on possibilities to strengthen air defense, on joint development of defense production, and on energy cooperation — including diesel fuel and other supplies that we need right now.”
Zelenskyy added that National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) secretary Rustem Umerov remains in the region to continues talks with several nations.
Timeline of the trip:
- March 26: Zelenskyy arrived in Saudi Arabia. Defense
ministries of the two countries signed a defense cooperation agreement.
- March 28: He visited the UAE and Qatar, meeting with their
leaders. Zelenskyy announced a 10-year strategic cooperation agreement with
Qatar and said a similar deal with the UAE is expected.
- March 29: He discussed security with King Abdullah II of Jordan.
- March 30: He said talks with Persian Gulf leaders produced
agreements on mutual defense and energy assistance, including 10-year contracts
and the potential supply of naval drones.