During a meeting in Oslo, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre discussed support for the PURL initiative, cooperation in the production and use of drones, the development of joint production projects, and priorities for this year in bilateral cooperation across various areas.
The Head of State thanked Norway and Jonas Gahr Støre for their strong support, particularly highlighting the contribution to the PURL initiative.
“Just today, there was another Russian strike on one of our largest cities – Dnipro city – hitting a gas station. People were killed – my condolences to the families. Many were injured, about 30 people. And tonight, there may be another Russia’s attack. Many “shaheds” are now in Ukraine’s skies, and missiles may also be used,” the President said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed the need to continue supplying equipment for Ukraine’s air defense and thanked Norway for its continued readiness to support the PURL initiative.
“Ukraine remains a key priority of Norwegian foreign policy. And today, we signed the Joint Declaration on Enhanced Defense and Security Cooperation. This is mutually-beneficial cooperation, and we have agreed to work towards a strategic partnership between Norway and Ukraine, because Ukraine also gives a lot in return,” said Jonas Gahr Støre.
The document represents the first step toward a Drone Deal, which the leaders initiated and agreed that their teams would further develop. The President noted that the Ukrainian experience is already being applied in the Middle East and the Gulf region. Ukraine is improving its means of defense against “shaheds,” believes this should also be done in Europe, and is ready to share this experience with partners.
“Ukraine is also grateful to Norway for its steady support in the energy sector. It was very, very helpful during this most difficult winter that we had during this war. Thank you, Jonas, so much. And at a time of major geopolitical crisis due to the war with Iran, Norway plays a key stabilizing role for Europe as a strong energy supplier. It is important that our joint work on the energy continues,” the Head of State emphasized.
