Kyiv: The Netherlands and Ukraine on Sunday agreed to expand cooperation in defense and drone production. During a bilateral meeting in the capital Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and visiting Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten recognized the 'critical role of modern technologies' on the battlefield, according to a joint statement published by Ukraine's Presidential Office.
According to Anadolu Agency, both sides reaffirmed their intention to expand cooperation between their respective defense industries, including through joint production projects under the 'Build with Ukraine' initiative. The statement noted that both parties underlined their commitment to making the initiative successful.
The statement emphasized the urgent need to further strengthen Ukraine's air defense, highlighting that Ukraine's security is inseparable from European security as a whole. Practical steps were outlined to advance efforts toward restoring a 'comprehensive, just and lasting' peace for Ukraine, with the Netherlands emphasizing security guarantees for Kyiv.
Furthermore, the Dutch side reaffirmed that its new Cabinet will continue to provide comprehensive long-term assistance to Ukraine, including political support. The Ukrainian side expressed its 'deep appreciation' for The Hague's leadership within the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) program.
The statement concluded by affirming both sides' shared vision of Ukraine's future membership in the European Union and NATO, acknowledging the significant reform progress achieved despite the ongoing Russian war of aggression.
Prime Minister Jetten's visit to Ukraine was his second foreign visit since taking office on February 23 as the youngest prime minister in Dutch history. His first foreign visit as premier was to Brussels, where he met top EU officials, including European Council President Antonio Costa, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
President Zelenskyy expressed gratitude toward Prime Minister Jetten for his symbolic visit to Ukraine almost immediately after assuming his role as the head of the new government, as shared on the US social media company X following the talks.
