Ukraine and the Netherlands will strengthen their partnership in the fields of security and defense, focusing on the implementation of innovative solutions. The Netherlands will allocate funding for the production of technological weapons.
This was discussed during a meeting between Ukraine's Deputy Minister of Defense for European Integration, Serhii Boiev, and the Defense Attaché at the Embassy of the Netherlands in Ukraine, Colonel Johannes Hoppenreys.
Key topics of the meeting included the implementation of the Security Cooperation Agreement signed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte in March of this year, as well as the development of cooperation in the production of unmanned systems and other modern defense products.
Serhii Boiev emphasized the importance of strategic support from the Netherlands, particularly in providing critical armaments, funding for Ukraine's defense industry, and promoting joint projects between the defense industries of Ukraine and the Netherlands. The parties agreed to implement feedback mechanisms within these initiatives to rapidly update and improve defense solutions based on battlefield experience.
Colonel Hoppenreys expressed support for the efforts of Ukraine's Ministry of Defense in developing new defense initiatives. Notably, they discussed the allocation of €400 million by the Netherlands for drone production, announced by Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brinkman during his visit to Ukraine in early October. Colonel Hoppenreys highlighted the Netherlands' interest in developing partnerships with other countries, including Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland, to enhance collective security support.
During the meeting, Serhii Boiev presented Colonel Hoppenreys with the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine's Medal of Honor as a token of appreciation for his significant contribution to strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities, as well as his proactive stance in deepening bilateral cooperation and securing military assistance for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The award ceremony also marked the completion of Colonel Hoppenreys' diplomatic mission in Ukraine.
