Jeddah | BETH
07 Dhu al-Qi'dah 1447H | 24 April 2026

Strengthening cooperation in security, energy, and infrastructure

His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, met today in Jeddah Governorate with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed aspects of bilateral relations, areas of joint cooperation, and opportunities for their development, in addition to discussing regional and international developments, foremost among them the situation in the Middle East and the latest developments in the Ukrainian crisis.

The meeting was attended by His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defense; His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs; and His Excellency Dr. Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers, and National Security Advisor.

From the Ukrainian side, it was attended by His Excellency Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council; His Excellency Andrii Sybiha, Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Andrii Hnatov.

President Zelensky arrived in Jeddah earlier today on his second visit in less than a month. He was received at King Abdulaziz International Airport by Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Makkah Region, Jeddah Mayor Saleh Al-Turki, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Ambassador to Ukraine Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Barakah, Ukraine’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Anatolii Petrenko, along with several officials.

In remarks posted on his X account, Zelensky stated that Kyiv is making progress in its agreements with Saudi Arabia across the fields of security, energy, and infrastructure, noting that the visit builds on existing coordination and strengthens the path of joint cooperation.

He added that he had secured financial guarantees during a recent meeting with European leaders to support his country’s capabilities, emphasizing continued efforts to advance partnerships with the Kingdom in key sectors.

BETH Analysis

The visit is not a routine diplomatic move…
but a strategic positioning at a sensitive moment.

Choosing Riyadh reflects confidence in its role as a balancing channel,
capable of bridging economics and politics.

Amid the complexity of the international landscape,
cooperation is shifting from temporary support…
to a multidimensional partnership.