Volodymyr Zelenskiy, President of Ukraine, offered on Thursday to share Ukraine's?expertise regarding freedom of navigation?inthe Black Sea with countries that are considering ways to?keep?the Strait?of Hormuz?open amid?conflict?inthe Middle East.

In his video nightly address, Zelenskiy said that Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha took part in a virtual conference devoted to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Around 40 countries were present.

He said that Ukraine has "relevant expertise" in the area of sea waterways and maritime traffic, including defense and reopening.

"If our partners are ready to take action, we will look at how we can help them and how we can use our knowledge, expertise, and technological potential."

Zelenskiy did not provide any further details.

Ukrainian forces developed sea drones that allowed them to achieve notable victories over Russian ships during four years of conflict in the Black Sea. They also prevented Moscow from controlling this waterway.

Last week, the president began a tour in Middle Eastern countries to provide them with the defence technology that he has developed over four years in order to counter drones. Many of these drones were designed in Iran.

He said that he expected Rustem Umerov, Ukraine's chief negotiator for talks to reach a settlement of the war, to give a report on?progress on the issue.

Zelenskiy said on Wednesday that Ukraine already cooperates with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. It also has contacts with Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Iraq. The government team is also in discussions with Turkey and other nations about potential agreements. (Reporting and editing by Cynthia Osterman; Bogdan Kochubey, Ron Popeski)

(source: Reuters)