On April 8, Minister of Strategic Industries of Ukraine Alexander Kamyshin, Minister of Defense of Ukraine Rustem Umerov and UK Minister for Trade Policy Greg Hands signed a new defence arrangement to encourage cooperation on defence and industrial issues.

The signing of the document was the next step in the implementation of the relevant provisions of the Agreement on Security Cooperation between Ukraine and the United Kingdom, which was concluded earlier this year. In particular, the arrangement provides for the promotion of defence and industrial cooperation, joint production and technology transfer.

"It was the UK that was the first country to sign the Security Cooperation Agreement with Ukraine, and it was British defence companies that were the first to open their offices here after the start of the great war. Our partnership is developing, and today we are one step closer to British manufacturers being the first to start producing their weapons in Ukraine," said Alexander Kamyshin.

The arrangement was signed during the British-Ukrainian Defense Cooperation Conference held on April 8-9 in Kyiv. The conference was attended by representatives of 29 British and 67 Ukrainian defence companies, and 350 meetings were held between them. Members of the governments of both countries were also present. In total, the event gathered 350 participants.

“The UK will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes. That's why we are continuing to step up our support. This Arrangement, along with business contracts signed in Kyiv, will support Ukraine’s defence efforts and long-term recovery”, UK Minister for Trade Policy Greg Hands said.

This arrangement will significantly strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the military sector and pave the way for even greater support from the UK.

"The UK is one of Ukraine's most loyal allies. I thank the people and the government of the country for the comprehensive support that has already been provided and continues!" said Rustem Umerov.