Ukraine wants to build rescue boats jointly with Italy

The issue was discussed during a working visit of the Ministry’s delegation led by Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Arsen Avakov to Italy, the press service of the Ministry informs.

"During the visit, Minister Avakov, Head of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine Mykola Chechotkin, and Head of the Regional Maritime Guard Oleh Kostur discussed the possibility of purchasing specialized rescue boats with representatives of the Italian Export Credit Agency (SACE) and T.Mariotti shipyard, which is one of the leaders of the Italian shipbuilding industry," the statement reads.

Avakov stressed that the development of the State Emergency Service and the State Border Guard Service was extremely important to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. “We must provide them with the best equipment, including the specialized boats, in order to properly respond to the challenges we face,” he said.

Avakov also pointed out the importance of humanitarian mine action, particularly in the water bodies.

Security within the Sea of Azov waters is fundamental for Ukraine in the conditions of Russian occupation of Crimea and part of Donbas, the Ukrainian minister stressed.

“Mine action in the water bodies is of great importance. Since July 2014, the explosive ordnance disposal groups checked the water bodies of a total area of 45.36 hectares in Donetsk region. Twenty-two thousand unexploded projectiles have been disposed of over the past five years. Therefore, the availability of specialized rescue boats is crucial,” Avakov said.

As noted, the Italian Export Credit Agency (SACE) can support joint Ukrainian-Italian projects and provide funding through loans granted by Italian banks and the government.

If a decision to cooperate with Italian shipbuilders is approved, Ukraine insists on localization of production using the capacities of Ukrainian enterprises and adoption of relevant technologies and skills by Ukrainian experts.

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