On November 12, following the bilateral meeting, the State Secretaries of the Ministries of Defense of Ukraine and the Kingdom of Norway signed a Protocol of Intent to develop and implement a project to strengthen integrity and professionalism in the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine aimed at further enhancing capabilities in countering corruption in different spheres.

"We wish to further maintain our bilateral cooperation. Our intentions are to develop and implement a project aimed at strengthening integrity and enhancing professionalism in the system of preventing corruption, procurement and personnel management of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. The project is planned for 3 years. For practical implementation of the cooperation, a detailed plan of measures will be developed with terms and executors responsible for their implementation," stressed the State Secretary of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine Oleksandr Dublian.

He also added that the cooperation of the defense agencies of the two countries is a key to success in integrity building and eradicating corruption in the Ministry of Defense.

The State Secretary of the Ministry of Defense of the Kingdom of Norway Tone Skogen expressed her gratitude to the Ukrainian side for the cooperation of the defense agencies and assured the support of Ukraine in the current security developments.

"Norway fully supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and also condemns the violation of the international law by the Russian Federation," emphasized Tone Skogen. "We will work together over the next few years in very important areas, such as the fight against corruption and the promotion of integrity in the Ministry of Defense. This also includes the procurement system to make it more transparent."

"I would also like to point out that Norway fully supports Ukraine’s priorities in combating corruption, further Euro-Atlantic integration and reforms," added the Secretary of State.