Zelenskyy proposes “Drone Deal” and security cooperation with Bahrain

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held what he described as a productive meeting with Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, focusing on regional security challenges and prospects for expanded bilateral cooperation.

According to Zelenskyy, the discussions covered the security situation in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf, including recent developments affecting the region.

“We talked about missile strikes from Iran on Bahrain and other countries, about the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Almost every day, our country is also subjected to similar terrorist attacks, and our people have relevant experience in full-scale defence. Ukraine is ready to share such expertise in the field of security with Bahrain and help strengthen the protection of life. I proposed concluding a Drone Deal and scaling up cooperation with Bahrain, and we agreed that our teams would work out the details.

Special attention was paid to the development of bilateral economic relations and partnership in the field of agricultural production.

I outlined the current situation in Ukraine and the diplomatic steps being taken to achieve a just peace.

We also raised the issue of the mutual opening of embassies in our countries. Our cooperation has significant potential in many areas, and we must certainly realise it,” the statement said.

Zelenskyy emphasised Ukraine’s experience in countering ongoing attacks and proposed sharing that expertise with Bahrain, including through a potential “Drone Deal” and broader security cooperation.

The talks also addressed expanding economic ties, particularly in agriculture, and included discussions on opening embassies in both countries. Zelenskyy noted that both sides see significant potential in strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors.

By Tamilla Hasanova