KYIV, Sept 3 – Ukraine and the U.S. will be able to strengthen cooperation in defense and security sectors due to a number of agreements signed between the two countries during President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit, Defense Minister Andriy Taran said.

"We are pleased to note that the agreements and arrangements signed during the Ukrainian-American summit laid a solid foundation for the further development of our strategic partnership with the U.S. in the long run," Taran said, according to the press service of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry.

In particular, the Framework Agreement signed between the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and the U.S. Department of Defense on the strategic foundations of defense partnership is an important basic document that creates new opportunities for significant strengthening of cooperation between Ukraine and the U.S. in the interests of both states.

"It is also very important that this Framework Agreement creates opportunities for U.S. support in carrying out reforms in Ukraine's defense in order to obtain full membership in NATO," the minister said.

Separately, the Minister highlighted the signing of the Agreement on projects in the field of research and development.

"It opens up completely new opportunities to strengthen our country's position as a high-tech country. We are talking about attracting American investment, creating conditions for the introduction of advanced defense technologies and launching projects in the field of modernization of armaments and military equipment. We have an opportunity to test armaments and military techniques using the latest equipment and technologies that are not available in Ukraine. Ukrainian research institutions will be involved in the implementation of U.S. projects, and products and services of both countries will have an opportunity to promote in third countries, taking into account the standards of NATO members," Taran said.

In addition, the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the State Space Agency of Ukraine and the U.S. Department of Defense on cooperation in space safety was a recognition by the U.S. of the potential for space cooperation with Ukraine, the minister said. (om/ez)