Zelensky in Saudi Arabia for security talks: Ukrainian sources

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, April 24 (AFP): Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Saudi Arabia on Friday for talks with crown prince Mohammed bin Salman in his second trip to the country in recent weeks.

Zelensky has brokered closer ties with several states in the Gulf amid the US-Israeli war with Iran, striking defence deals -- including with Riyadh -- to share Kyiv's expertise in downing drones, gained through fending off over four years of Russian attacks.

A senior Ukrainian official speaking on condition of anonymity told AFP Zelensky had landed in Jeddah to to "continue discussing security cooperation".

During his visit last month, Zelensky said the two sides had "reached an important arrangement" on air defence.

The deal envisaged a decade-long cooperation on defence, including establishing joint production lines, he said.