ISTANBUL

The presidents of the United Arab Emirates and Ukraine on Saturday agreed to advance bilateral cooperation, particularly in security and defense.

The development came during a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in the Emirati capital, Abu Dhabi.

During the talks, Ukraine said in a statement that the efforts of Ukrainian military experts in the UAE to counter Iranian drones were appreciated.

The two leaders also discussed the security situation in the UAE and the wider region, including the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and its impact on the global oil market, the statement said.

They discussed “possible steps” to respond to ongoing challenges and agreed to expand cooperation in security and defense, with both sides finalizing details of agreements, it added.

For its part, the UAE said it would continue to defend its sovereignty with determination.

“The two sides also discussed opportunities to advance bilateral cooperation under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the UAE and Ukraine, reaffirming their shared commitment to achieving its objectives,” according to the Emirati state news agency WAM.

Zelenskyy is on a working visit to the UAE.

A day earlier, Ukraine and Saudi Arabia signed a defense cooperation agreement ahead of a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah.