Zelenskyy in Bahrain discussed security cooperation and introduction of visa-free regime

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Bahrain discussed security cooperation, the opening of embassies and the introduction of a visa-free regime between the two countries. This was announced by the Office of the President, Ukrainian News Agency reports.

In particular, it is reported that in Manama, Zelenskyy met with the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain His Majesty Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. This is Zelenskyy's first visit to Bahrain and at the same time the first meeting between the leaders of Ukraine and Bahrain since 2003.

During the meeting, they discussed the security situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region, key challenges and security opportunities, in particular, they discussed strikes from Iran on Bahrain and other countries and the situation regarding the Strait of Hormuz.

Zelenskyy informed about the situation in Ukraine, diplomatic work to achieve a decent peace and contacts with the leaders of partner countries, assuring that Ukraine is ready to hold negotiations in a trilateral format.

According to the report, the parties paid special attention to cooperation in the field of security and defense. Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine is ready to share security expertise with Bahrain and help strengthen the protection of life, and proposed concluding a Drone Deal and scaling up cooperation with Bahrain. The leaders agreed that the teams would work out the details.

During the meeting, they also discussed the development of bilateral economic relations and partnership in the field of agricultural production, the opening of embassies in Ukraine and Bahrain, and the possible introduction of a visa-free regime between the two countries.

As Ukrainian News Agency earlier reported, in April, Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine was working on security cooperation with India and Bahrain. After that, Zelenskyy appointed Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Oleksandr Balanutsa as Ambassador to Bahrain on a part-time basis.

Zelenskyy previously reported that the Drone Deal is not just a sale of drones, but a multi-year program of cooperation, construction of joint production lines, and creation of a unique "dome" of protection for partners in Europe and the Middle East.