Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Strategic Industries of Ukraine Oleh Uruskyy met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Ukraine Etienne de Poncins.

The sides discussed the development of bilateral cooperation between the two countries during the meeting.

Deputy Prime Minister briefed Mr. Ambassador on the reforms being currently implemented on the defense industry of the country as well as on plans to establish holdings and to corporatize enterprises in the industry. "We are now at the beginning of reforms. Ahead of the adoption of the relevant legal framework. Currently, we are actively cooperating in this direction with the line executive bodies and lawmakers," Oleh Uruskyy said.

The Deputy Prime Minister also stressed that the establishment of the Ministry is not a return to the old system of government. The Ministry does not plan to interfere in the economic activities of domestic manufacturers of weapons and military equipment. In particular, he said: "We are supporters of market relations and corporate governance."

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Ukraine, in his turn, congratulated Oleh Uruskyy on his appointment and thanked for the opportunity to hold a meeting and discuss issues of bilateral cooperation. Mr. Ambassador also praised the assistance provided by the Ukrainian side in transporting medical equipment by Ukrainian aircraft to France during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Etienne de Poncins also spoke about the role of the French side in the process of reforming Ukraine's defense industry, both in the context of policy-making and the audit of SE Antonov.

The parties placed a special emphasis on the  further development of cooperation between the countries. Mr. Ambassador informed about the projects being currently implemented between Ukraine and France. In addition, Mr.Ambassador stressed the interest of French defense companies to cooperate with Ukrainian companies.

In turn, Oleh Uruskyy thanked the Mr. Ambassador Etienne de Poncins for the assistance provided by France to Ukraine, and stressed the possibility of further deepening relations between the countries in order to improve and develop the existing cooperation between the countries. " Presently, a number of existing spheres of cooperation can be increased, inter alia, in the field of shipbuilding, radio electronics and aerospace. There is a wide range of major European projects involving the French side, to which Ukraine could also join. At the same time, we are interested in the development of our own defense capabilities, appropriate industrial infrastructure, which should contribute to the solution of existing social issues."