Defense cooperation, restoration of critical infrastructure, and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes: Ukraine and France have signed 4 documents

Following the meeting between President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and President of France Emmanuel Macron in Paris, representatives of the two Governments signed four documents.

In particular, Ukraine and France signed a Grant Agreement on assistance in restoring and maintaining critical infrastructure and priority sectors of our country's economy. The document was signed by Yuliia Svyrydenko, First Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Economy of Ukraine, and Stéphane Séjourné, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France.

The document provides for the allocation of grant funds from the French government worth EUR 200 million for the reconstruction and restoration of Ukraine's critical infrastructure, including EUR 60 million for the support of the energy sector.

Yuliia Svyrydenko and Stéphane Séjourné have also signed the Agreement on the Establishment and Operation of the AFD Group Representative Office in Ukraine, including the operation of the French Development Agency, the Society for Promotion and Participation for Economic Cooperation (PROPARCO) and Expertise France.

The Agency will provide financial and technical assistance to Ukrainian enterprises. This will include loans, grants, and guarantees. President Emmanuel Macron also announced that France will send 20 technical experts to Ukraine to work in key ministries.

In addition, the countries exchanged letters on the renewal of the Agreement between the Governments of France and Ukraine for Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy. This document expired four years ago, so it was extended for another 20 years. The Agreement creates a legal basis for cooperation in the field of nuclear facilities maintenance. France provides comprehensive support to the energy system of Ukraine.

Minister for Strategic Industries of Ukraine Oleksandr Kamyshin and Minister of the Armed Forces of the Republic of France Sébastien Lecornu signed a Statement of Intent on Cooperation in the Defense Industry.

The statement aims to identify opportunities for cooperation between the defense industries of Ukraine and France in the field of armaments, military equipment, and ammunition, as well as to develop capabilities for the production, maintenance, and repair of military equipment.