Signing a series of arms production agreements with international partners, what is Ukraine's ambition?

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry announced on September 30 that the country's companies signed 20 agreements with international partners on the production of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), military equipment and ammunition at the First International Defense Industry Forum (DFNC1) held in the capital Kiev.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks at the First International Defense Industry Forum (DFNC1) on September 30. (Source: Reuters)

The announcement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine said: “On September 29, 2023, DFNC1 took place in Kiev, bringing together 252 companies from more than 30 countries that produce a full range of weapons, military equipment and defense systems... Within the framework of the forum, the Ukrainian side signed 20 documents with foreign partners, including agreements and memorandums of understanding on UAV production, repair, production of armored vehicles and ammunition”.

According to the announcement, as many as 38 companies from 19 countries have joined the defense industry alliance, established within the Forum.

Speaking at the Forum on September 30, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he wanted to turn Ukraine's defense industry into a "major military center." To achieve this goal, Kiev must cooperate with Western arms manufacturers to increase its weapons supply for the counterattack against Russia.

European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and several other foreign officials addressed the Forum participants online.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/ky-hang-loat-thoa-thuan-san-xuat-vu-khi-voi-cac-doi-tac-quoc-te-ukraine-dang-tham-vong-gi-244423.html