Zelenskiy, Saudi Crown Prince Discuss Defence and Food Security Initiatives
Key Outcomes of the Zelenskiy–Saudi Crown Prince Discussion
Drone Deal and Food Security Talks
KYIV, Aug 10 (Reuters) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he discussed a drone deal and food security with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday.
Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation
"There are domains in which Ukraine and Saudi Arabia can strengthen each other's ability to protect lives and people," he said on X after the call.
Developing Mutual Support
Speaking later in his nightly video address, Zelenskiy said a team of Ukrainian officials was in the region "and there are already areas in which our relations are developing well. I am counting on reciprocity in our mutual support."
Background of Ukraine–Saudi Arabia Relations
Ukraine and Saudi Arabia signed an agreement on military cooperation in March when the president met the crown prince.
Ukraine’s Expertise in Drone Technology
Ukraine has developed expertise in dealing with Iranian-designed drones over more than 4-1/2 years of war with Russia. It has also signed deals on drone development with other countries in the Middle East and Gulf and elsewhere.
(Reporting by Yuliia Dysa; Editing by Toby Chopra, Ron Popeski and Cynthia Osterman)
