VLÁDA.CZ - On Tuesday, July 16, 2024, the second intergovernmental consultations between the Czech Republic and Ukraine took place in Prague. The heads of government, Petr Fiala and Denys Shmyhal, discussed the current situation in Ukraine, defense cooperation, cooperation in the energy sector, support for Czech exports, and the involvement of Czech companies in the reconstruction of Ukraine. Bilateral meetings were also held between selected government ministries. The heads of government signed a Joint Statement on the results of the intergovernmental consultations. Memoranda of Understanding were also signed in the areas of energy cooperation, space cooperation, healthcare, and state asset management, as well as an agreement on cooperation between the ministries of the interior. Representatives of the arms companies Colt CZ Group and Sellier&Bellot signed agreements to transfer production to their Ukrainian partners.
Prime Minister Fiala emphasized that the Czech Republic intends to continue supporting Ukraine in its courageous fight for freedom. "We 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 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 defense capabilities. It also welcomed the ongoing supply of other military equipment provided through the Czech defense industry. Prime Minister Petr Fiala received an honorary recognition from his Ukrainian counterpart for his exceptional personal contribution and strengthening of Ukraine's military capabilities in its defense against the barbaric Russian attack.
Prime Minister Fiala emphasized that the Czech government supports Czech companies operating in Ukraine. In July 2023, the government approved a fund, "Ukraine," which provides insurance for short-term business ventures in Ukraine. The EGAP insurance company has already insured 20 such ventures for approximately 400 million Czech crowns, primarily in the agricultural and food processing sectors. "More and more Czech companies are involved in the reconstruction of Ukraine. We see potential for further cooperation, including the modernization and construction of new nuclear power plants. Czech companies can offer expertise in areas such as plant operation, maintenance, and the supply of components for nuclear power plants," Fiala said. "The Czech Republic is also prepared to participate in the European Union's "Instrument for Ukraine" initiative for the reconstruction and modernization of the country. We discussed potential projects during today's meeting," he added.
The development of trade cooperation is also reflected in the data on bilateral trade. Last year, Czech exports to Ukraine reached over 35 billion Czech crowns, an increase of 41% year-on-year. In the first five months of this year, exports increased by 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 Organization. The Czech Republic will sign a bilateral agreement on security cooperation with Ukraine, as will other allied countries. Prime Minister Petr Fiala will sign the agreement on Thursday, July 18, at the European Political Community summit in London, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The Czech delegation included First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Vít Rakušan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Regional Development Ivan Bartoš, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health Vlastimil Válek, Minister of Defense 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 for Science, Research and Innovation Marek Ženíšek.
List of signed memoranda, agreements, and contracts:
- Joint statement on the results of 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 utilization, and the development of space technologies and the space industry
- Memorandum of Cooperation between the Czech Republic – the Office for Representation of the State in Property Matters and the State Property Fund of Ukraine
- Contract for assembly and technical support 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
Chairman of the ODS party
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