GOVERNMENT.CZ - On Tuesday, 16 July 2024, the second intergovernmental consultations between the Czech Republic and Ukraine took place in Prague. Prime Ministers Petr Fiala and Denys Šmyhal discussed together the current situation in Ukraine, defence cooperation, cooperation in the energy sector, support for Czech exports and the involvement of Czech companies in the reconstruction of Ukraine. At the same time, bilateral meetings of selected ministries were held. The Prime Ministers signed a Joint Declaration on the results of the intergovernmental consultations. Memorandums of Understanding on energy cooperation, space cooperation, health care and management of state property were also signed, as well as an agreement on cooperation between the Ministries of the Interior. Representatives of the arms companies Colt CZ Group and Sellier & Bellot concluded agreements on the transfer of production with their Ukrainian partners.
Prime Minister Fiala stressed that the Czech Republic's intention is to continue to support Ukraine in its brave fight for freedom. "We have assured our Ukrainian friends that the Czech Republic will continue to support Ukraine, which is fighting for its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. We are well aware that it is also fighting for the security of Europe and for a democratic world order," said the Prime Minister Petr Fiala.
The Ukrainian Government highly appreciated the initiative of the Czech Republic to provide artillery ammunition for the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in order to strengthen Ukraine's defence capability. It also welcomed the continuous supply of other military equipment provided through the Czech defence industry. Prime Minister Petro Fiala received an honourable mention from his Ukrainian counterpart for his outstanding personal contribution and strengthening of Ukraine's military capabilities in its defence against the barbaric Russian attack.
Prime Minister Fiala stressed that the government supports Czech companies in Ukraine. In July 2023, the Cabinet approved the Ukraine Fund, which covers insurance for short-term business cases to Ukraine. So far, the insurance company EGAP has insured 20 business cases for about CZK 400 million. The company's insurance policy covers 400 cases, mainly in the agricultural and food sectors. "More and more Czech companies are involved in the reconstruction of Ukraine. We also see the potential for further cooperation, one of the areas is the modernisation and construction of new nuclear units. Czech companies can offer know-how, whether it is operational support, maintenance or supply of components for nuclear power plants. The Czech Republic is also ready to participate in the European initiative Instrument for Ukraine for Reconstruction, Reconstruction and Modernisation of Ukraine. We discussed possible projects at today's meeting." added the Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala. The development of trade cooperation is also shown by the data on mutual trade. The volume of Czech exports to Ukraine reached more than CZK 35 billion last year and increased by 41 % year-on-year. In the first 5 months of this year, the increase is another 15 %.
The Czech Republic supports Ukraine's accession negotiations with the European Union, as well as the country's future membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. The Czech Republic will conclude a bilateral security cooperation agreement with Ukraine, as will other allied countries. Prime Minister Petr Fiala will sign the agreement on Thursday 18 July at the European Political Community summit in London with President Volodymyr Zelensky.
On the Czech side, the meeting was attended by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Vít Rakušan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Regional Development Ivan Bartoš, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health Vlastimil Válek, Minister of Defence Jana Černochová, Minister of Foreign Affairs Jan Lipavský, Minister of Industry and Trade Jozef Síkela, Minister of Transport Martin Kupka, Minister of Education Mikuláš Bek, Minister of Agriculture Marek Výborný and Minister of Science, Research and Innovation Marek Ženíšek.
Overview of signed memoranda, agreements and contracts:
- Joint statement on the results of the intergovernmental consultations between the Czech Republic and Ukraine
- Agreement between the Government of the Czech Republic and the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on cooperation in the fight against crime and in maintaining public order and security
- Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic and the Ministry of Health of Ukraine
- Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic and the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine on cooperation in the field of energy
- Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Transport of the Czech Republic and the State Space Agency of Ukraine on cooperation in the field of space exploration and exploitation, technology development and space industry
- Memorandum of Cooperation between the Czech Republic - Office for State Representation in Property Matters and the State Property Fund of Ukraine
- Installation and technical support contract between Colt CZ Group and JSC Mayak
- Contract for the supply of goods and services between Sellier&Bellot and Ukroboronservice
Prime Minister of the Czech Republic
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