President of Ukraine

President of Ukraine and the Prime Minister of Norway discussed defense cooperation and situation in the Middle East

18 October 2023 - 16:06

President of Ukraine and the Prime Minister of Norway discussed defense cooperation and situation in the Middle East

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone call with Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre.

The Head of State thanked the interlocutor for the defense package from the Norwegian government and the long-term budget support programs.

"Such programs are crucial because they give us more confidence in the future, facilitate long-term planning, and send a powerful signal to other countries," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The leaders discussed the current situation on the battlefield and further defense cooperation between Ukraine and Norway. Particular attention was paid to strengthening Ukraine's air defense system to protect critical infrastructure, ports, and the "grain corridor."

The President of Ukraine and the Prime Minister of Norway also coordinated their positions ahead of upcoming international events.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy invited the Norwegian side to take part in the next meeting of national security advisors to the heads of state on the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula.

The parties agreed to start bilateral talks on security guarantees in the framework of the G7 Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Jonas Gahr Støre also discussed the situation in the Middle East. The leaders agreed that the escalation of the conflict is unacceptable and called on all sides to avoid civilian casualties.