Zelensky Lands in Doha After Saudi, UAE Visits
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Doha on Saturday as part of a regional tour covering Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, focusing on expanding defense and security cooperation amid rising regional tensions.
Upon arrival at Hamad International Airport, Zelensky and his delegation were received by senior Qatari officials, including Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi and Ukraine’s Ambassador to Qatar, Andrii Kuzmenko.
Later, Zelensky held talks with Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at Lusail Palace. The discussions focused on regional and international developments, as well as strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries.
In a parallel high-level engagement, Qatar hosted detailed defense talks between senior officials from both sides. Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al Thani met with Ukraine’s Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov and Chief of the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Lt. Gen. Andrii Hnatov.
The meeting reviewed the latest regional security developments and explored ways to enhance defense coordination amid global challenges. The talks were also attended by the Chief of Staff of the Qatari Armed Forces.
A key outcome of the visit was the signing of a defense cooperation agreement between the Qatari Ministry of Defense and the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense. The agreement covers technological cooperation, joint defense projects, investment opportunities in the defense sector, and enhanced collaboration on countering missile and drone threats.
The agreement was signed on Qatar’s behalf by Lt. Gen. (Pilot) Jassim bin Mohammed Al Mannai, Chief of Staff of the Qatari Armed Forces, and on Ukraine’s behalf by Lt. Gen. Andrii Hnatov, in the presence of senior defense officials from both nations.
The Qatar visit follows earlier strategic engagements in the Gulf. In Saudi Arabia, Zelenskyy announced an agreement to share Ukraine’s drone defense expertise, noting that Riyadh faces similar missile and drone threats as Ukraine has encountered during its ongoing conflict with Russia.
“We are ready to share our expertise and systems… to strengthen the protection of lives,” Zelenskyy said, highlighting Ukraine’s battlefield experience in countering aerial attacks.
In the United Arab Emirates, Ukraine and Emirati officials also agreed to expand defense cooperation, particularly in response to rising drone threats across the region. Kyiv has increasingly positioned itself as a key partner for Gulf nations, offering expertise developed through its ongoing war with Russia.
Ukraine’s growing diplomatic engagement in the Middle East reflects its broader effort to strengthen international alliances while exporting its experience in modern air defense and drone warfare.
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