"This letter of intent is the start of a long and fruitful collaboration between our agencies. I am impressed that Ukraine is able to prioritize the creation of a new agency in such a difficult time of war. I think it says something about the commitment and professionalism you show in the defense of your country," said Gro Jære, director of the Norwegian Defense Materiel Agency, during the signing of the agreement in Oslo.
As noted, the agreement has a duration of three years.
The signing ceremony took place within the framework of a four-day visit by the Ukrainian Defense Procurement Agency to Norway. Last summer, the Ukrainian side visited Norway to learn more about how to establish a defense procurement organization in Ukraine. In December, the Ukrainian agency asked the Norwegian agency for support in developing its agency in accordance with Western standards and working methods.
Therefore, the collaboration will also contain information about NATO standards and how other NATO countries carry out their procurement.
"For us, the issue of creating integrity and transparency in procurement and other procedures is unwavering. Any corruption risks must be eliminated, and the sector must be reformed. The trust of partners and joint reforms are the best evidence that we are moving in the right direction," said Defense Minister of Ukraine Oleksii Reznikov, the press service of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine informs.
