Belgium is taking over the patronage of Kyiv and the region, as well as Chernihiv and the region, and plans to allocate EUR 150 million to rebuild social and energy infrastructure.
The relevant memoranda were signed by Vasyl Shkurakov, Acting Minister for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure of Ukraine, and Dirk Desprez, Resident Represetative of the Enabel Belgian Development Agency in Ukraine.
“We appreciate Belgium’s strong military support, which is extremely important for Ukraine. We are particularly grateful for the important decision of the Kingdom of Belgium to join the restoration of Kyiv and Chernihiv regions. These memoranda simplify the implementation of our joint programmes and projects, and will contribute to the recovery, economic and social development of Ukraine. I believe that Belgium will play a significant role in rebuilding our country,” said Vasyl Shkurakov.
The ceremony was also attended by the newly appointed Ambassador of Belgium to Ukraine Luc Jacobs.
He stressed that this was his second mission to Ukraine as ambassador, but that these days he already saw a significant increase in cooperation between Ukraine and Belgium. This, in his opinion, indicates the consolidation of efforts in the restoration of Ukraine. The Ambassador underlined that the security agreement signed by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of Belgium Alexander De Croo in May served as a guide and basis for strengthening our cooperation in the coming years.
During the meeting, the parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development, Kyiv Regional Military Administration, Kyiv City Council and Enabel, as well as a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development, Chernihiv Regional Military Administration, Chernihiv City Council and Enabel.
The documents stipulate that the parties will reconstruct, renovate and build educational, healthcare and energy infrastructure facilities. Ukraine and Belgium will also cooperate to strengthen the resilience of our country by building shelters and introducing backup power and heating systems. The parties also agreed to facilitate the development of partnerships between Belgian and Ukrainian representatives. Support for political reforms that meet the goals of Ukraine’s integration into the EU was also mentioned. (Government portal)