Zelenskyy, Belgian premier discuss joint arms production, F-16 supply
Ukrainian president says cooperation with Belgian defense firms will boost European security
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky delivers a speech on the stand in front of the first General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon received by Ukraine, congratulating the Ukrainian military on August 4, 2024 in, Ukraine.
ISTANBUL
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday said that he and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever discussed joint defense production and investment during the Belgian premier’s visit to Kyiv.
"Today, representatives of ten Belgian defense companies are in Ukraine together with Prime Minister Bart De Wever,” Zelenskyy said in a statement.
“We discussed joint weapons production and investment in manufacturing on Ukrainian territory—steps that will benefit all of Europe.”
The president also said that three agreements with Belgian manufacturers had been reached and the documents are being signed with Ukrainian producers.
He welcomed a new €1 billion $1.09 billion defense package from Belgium.
“One billion euros is a significant contribution, and it will truly help to protect lives,” he said.
“Our current defense potential is also all of Europe’s potential in deterring any hostile activity against Europe.”
Zelenskyy added that Belgium has consistently supported Ukraine through military, political, and humanitarian assistance since the early days of Moscow’s war on Kyiv.
“And most importantly, as the foundation of our cooperation, is a sense of justice—a sense that Belgium shares with us—the recognition of the justice of our defense and the injustice of Russian aggression,” he said.
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