The event was organized by the Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine along with the Ministry of Defense and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium in Ukraine.
The seminar was attended by representatives of 33 Ukrainian and 8 Belgian companies. The Belgian Security and Defense Industry Association (BSDI), as well as representatives of the governmental defense and security sector of both countries were among them.
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The purpose of the seminar was to enable Ukrainian and Belgian defense entrepreneurs to establish contacts and agree on cooperation, as well as to strengthen the strategic partnership between the Belgian and Ukrainian defense industries.
According to the Chairman of the Belgian Security and Defense Industry, Stephane Burton, Belgium's contribution to support Ukraine will take the form of industrial and technological partnerships with Ukrainian defense companies. The goal is to jointly expand Ukraine's short- and long-term industrial potential.
The seminar resulted in the development of specific potential defense projects between the two countries.
"To effectively support the development of these areas, we agreed with the Belgian side to ensure regular coordination and discussion of the results of joint work in the defense sector," Deputy Minister of Strategic Industries of Ukraine, Serhiy Boyev said.
In particular, a number of important documents were signed, including a Memorandum of Understanding.
National Armament Director of Belgium, Lt-General Frederic Goetynck claimed that Memorandum of Understanding promotes the agility and the high technological capabilities of the Belgian Industry, to partner with the Ukrainian industries on the long term, in order to meet the Ukrainian government strategy.
Six other documents were also signed between Belgian and Ukrainian companies to launch cooperation.
Director General of Ukroboronprom State Concern (UOP), Herman Smetanin said how Ukraine needs to strengthen cooperation with existing international partners and establish new contacts.
"Today, UOP's task is not only to meet the needs of the Ukrainian Defense Forces in weapons and military equipment to bring the Victory closer, but also to understand global trends, master the production of new types of products, study and implement best practices and technologies. We have to do this to gradually integrate into the defense industry of NATO countries and build a modern Ukrainian arms company and the Arsenal of the Free World, which will eventually become the domestic defense industry," said Herman Smetanin.
Earlier Defense Express reported that Ukraine would receive F-16 fighter jets from Belgium in 2025.
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