On October 10, 2023, the First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine and Minister of Economy of Ukraine, Yulia Svyrydenko, and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, Andrej Plenković, discussed issues of strengthening cooperation between the two countries in the economic sphere, as well as matters related to recovery and humanitarian demining. Following the meeting, Yulia Svyrydenko and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Croatia, Davor Božinović, signed an intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in the field of demining.
"Ukraine is extremely grateful to the Croatian people and the Government of Croatia for the political, military, financial, and humanitarian support our country and Ukrainians have received since the beginning of the large-scale invasion. We appreciate the programs initiated and implemented by your country for the rehabilitation of our defenders and the children of Ukrainian soldiers. Croatia does not need to be told what war and aggression mean, as not so long ago, Croatia experienced it. And the consequences are still felt, as unexploded mines and shells do not recognize the end of the war. Croatia has gone through a difficult and long journey of overcoming the consequences. Today, Ukraine needs Croatia's experience in demining, as well as in reconstruction and recovery," stated Yulia Svyrydenko during her conversation with Andrej Plenković. She emphasized that Croatia's experience in organizing and moderating demining efforts would be particularly valuable for Ukraine.
During the signing of the Agreement on Cooperation in Demining, Yulia Svyrydenko emphasized that one of the significant and important elements of Ukraine's support for Croatia is cooperation in the field of humanitarian demining.
"Demining machines produced in Croatia are already operating in Ukrainian fields, making the land safe. In the summer, Ukrainian and Croatian manufacturers agreed to localize the production of such machines in Ukraine. Today, we are strengthening cooperation. The intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in demining marks the beginning of a new stage in the collaboration between the governments, experts, demining professionals, and manufacturers of both countries. This cooperation, with the ultimate goal of clearing Ukraine's territory of mines, ensuring the safety of Ukrainians, and the recovery and development of our state," said Yulia Svyrydenko.
As emphasized by the First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine and Minister of Economy of Ukraine, the directions of cooperation provided for in the Agreement are integral components of the Strategy for Demining Activities that Ukraine is working on. Therefore, the Agreement is a very practical and substantive document, and work under its framework will begin immediately.
The Agreement between the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Government of the Republic of Croatia on Cooperation in Demining includes cooperation in the following areas:
- Non-technical and technical survey, demining, and territory clearance.
- Training the population on risks associated with explosive devices and providing assistance to mine victims.
- Developing a regulatory framework and standard procedures in demining activities.
- Training for specialists, sharing experiences among experts and instructors involved in training demining specialists, transferring expert knowledge and best practices.
- Exchanging knowledge and experience in developing capabilities for producing protective equipment and equipment for mine detection and clearance, as well as in the field of training and certification of mine-detection dog handlers.
- Supporting the exchange of practical experience in the use of demining equipment and more.
These areas of cooperation aim to enhance the demining efforts and improve safety for the population.
