- Greg Hands MP, in his capacity as Trade Minister, had a very positive visit to Ukraine.
- The UK and Ukraine strengthened their ties with the UK agreeing to extend tariff-free access for all Ukrainian goods.
- Greg acted on behalf of the Ministry of Defence to sign the UK-Ukraine Framework Arrangement.
Greg Hands MP, in his capacity as Trade Minister travelled to Ukraine, amidst the conflict, to sign a defence partnership agreement between the UK and Ukraine.
Greg was accompanied by a delegation of 29 leading UK defence and security companies. The mission aimed to foster collaboration between UK and Ukrainian businesses to bolster Ukraine's military capability and reconstruction efforts.
During the visit, Greg Hands signed the new UK-Ukraine Framework Arrangement on behalf of the UK Ministry of Defence, alongside Minister of Strategic Industries of Ukraine, Alexander Kamyshin and Minister of Defence of Ukraine, Rustem Umerov.
Greg led a delegation of 29 UK defence businesses to meet their Ukrainian counterparts. The summit marked the UK's second and largest trade mission to Ukraine, with the new defence partnership able to help Ukraine push back against Russian aggression.
This long-term partnership, announced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in January, underscores the commitment of the UK to support Ukraine not only in the immediate term but also in the years to come.
The new arrangement between the UK and Ukraine marks a significant milestone in the partnership. This agreement outlines plans for high-profile projects to be delivered over the coming months and years, highlighting the commitment of both nations to stand together in the face of adversity.
The trade mission builds upon the foundation of a hundred-year partnership between the UK and Ukraine, reaffirming the enduring bond between the two nations. Through collaboration and cooperation, the UK and Ukraine aim to enhance their collective capacity to address security threats and promote stability in the region.
Commenting, Greg Hands said:
"Our partnership will provide expertise, equipment, infrastructure, and technologies essential for Ukraine's security and resilience. The collaboration between the UK and Ukraine is crucial in strengthening Ukraine's defence capabilities and pushing back against Russian aggression.
The initiatives undertaken today will play a key role in ensuring Ukraine's resilience and ability to confront future security challenges. It is great to see so many British businesses answering our call on defence cooperation."
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