France has specific proposals for Ukraine aimed at enhancing cooperation in the field of humanitarian demining. This includes plans to send a high-level technical advisor to the Embassy of the French Republic in Ukraine, who will be responsible for humanitarian demining issues in our country. This was discussed during the meeting between the First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine and the Minister of Economy Yulia Sviridenko with the Minister of the Interior of France Gérald Darmanin on November 9, 2023, in Paris.
"We are grateful for the political, humanitarian, and military support that Ukraine has received from France since the beginning of the Russian aggression. This includes assistance and cooperation in the field of humanitarian demining, including the training of our pyrotechnicians. We see a great interest from French companies in working in Ukraine in the field of demining, restoration, interest in establishing contacts, and creating joint ventures with Ukrainian businesses. In turn, the Government of Ukraine is ready to cooperate with the Government of France to strengthen and develop cooperation between French and Ukrainian producers," noted Yulia Sviridenko.
In turn, Gérald Darmanin mentioned that several French companies in the field of humanitarian demining are already working in Ukraine. Other companies are also considering this possibility. The Government of France will communicate with them to encourage active involvement in this process.
As discussed during the meeting, France is also willing to continue training Ukrainian pyrotechnicians, especially those specializing in underwater demining. The country has well-developed training for mine-detection dogs, so French experts are ready to assist Ukraine in this direction as well.
During the meeting, the parties also discussed other areas of cooperation, including Ukraine's interest in investments, the creation of joint ventures, long-term financing, and programs for military risk insurance. Additionally, they explored approaches to directing frozen assets of the aggressor state towards recovery or compensation for damages inflicted by Russia.
