United States, Ukraine sign bilateral partner concept in defense

The ceremony of signing took place during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in London today.

“As a demonstration of continued U.S. support for Ukraine, Secretary Carter and Minister Poltorak co-signed a bilateral partner concept, a document that provides a framework for the United States and Ukraine to enhance the defense capacity of Ukraine's forces, advance critical Ukrainian defense reforms, improve resource management processes, and boost defense technology cooperation,” reads a report on the Pentagon official website.

The partner concept will build on the strong partnership between the U.S. and Ukraine and will enhance the effectiveness of U.S. security assistance efforts.

The defense chiefs discussed the fragile ceasefire in eastern Ukraine. Secretary Carter emphasized that the United States remains committed to “the full implementation of the Minsk Agreements in support of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders”.

The head of the Pentagon also urged the Ukrainian defense minister to remain committed to “the ambitious Ukrainian program of comprehensive defense reforms to make Ukraine's defense enterprise more effective and efficient”.

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