President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy accepted the letters of credence from the newly appointed ambassadors of foreign states: Oman (non-resident) – Maitha Saif Al Mahrouqi; North Macedonia – Dimitar Blazevski; the United Arab Emirates – Mohammed Matar Butti Hawash Al Khaili; the Netherlands – Roelof Sander van Ees; and France – Brice Roquefeuil.
The Head of State congratulated the ambassadors on the beginning of their diplomatic missions in our country. In his conversations with each of the ambassadors, Volodymyr Zelenskyy briefed them on the consequences of Russia’s massive overnight attack, the large number of ballistic missiles used in the strike, and the need to support Ukraine’s air defense with additional missiles for its systems. They discussed how each country could help Ukraine’s defence and efforts to achieve peace.
During his conversation with the Ambassador of Oman, the President discussed expanding security cooperation, including the importance of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz for global energy security and international trade.
“We are very glad to see you here. Strong relations with various representatives of the Middle East are very important to us: for the future, for security, and for business,” the Head of State noted.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked North Macedonia for its political support and participation in the Coalition of the Willing, as well as for the ongoing dialogue in the format of the countries of Southern Europe.
“North Macedonia, Serbia, Greece – yes, we really didn’t have this format before. We tried it once, and now we see that this format is very good. We want to continue,” the President said.
They also discussed support for the energy sector, the supply of special equipment for winter preparations, and the reconstruction of Ukraine.
With the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates, the Head of State discussed expanding security cooperation and Ukraine’s expertise in air defense, which Ukraine has provided in the Middle East.
“We are very glad to be useful. And, of course, we remain on your side and support your country and your security. We wish your region all the best,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
The conversation also covered the next steps in defense cooperation to strengthen both countries.
With the Ambassador of the Netherlands, the President discussed Russia’s ongoing air attacks on our country and the need for additional air defense capabilities. The Head of State thanked the Netherlands for its constant contributions to the PURL initiative and support for anti-ballistic initiatives, as well as for the decision to host the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine in The Hague.
“We are very proud that we have been able to build strong relations between our peoples, between ordinary people, and between our leaders. This is truly very important,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.
The President and the Ambassador also discussed Ukraine’s European integration efforts and steps that will make it possible to open the next negotiating clusters.
During his conversation with the Ambassador of France, the Head of State expressed gratitude for France’s continued support for Ukraine.
“We are very grateful to your President, Mr. Macron, for our consistently strong relations and for the great support – from military assistance to political backing,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The Head of State and the ambassador discussed strengthening Ukraine’s air defense with new defense systems, licenses for the production of missiles, and agreements on fighter jets. They also discussed cooperation on European anti-ballistic defense to strengthen the protection of Ukraine and Europe.
Particular attention was paid to sanctions steps against Russia aimed at forcing it into negotiations to achieve peace.
