US, Ukraine sign Strategic Defence Framework deal

WASHINGTON: The US and Ukraine have signed a Strategic Defence Framework agreement, which is set to define a new stage of bilateral cooperation in the field of defence and security.

The deal inked on Wednesday during the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Washington creates conditions for a significant strengthening of bilateral cooperation in defense and provides international legal support from the US for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine, Xinhua news agency reported. The agreement also helps accelerate Ukraine's entry into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

During Zelensky's visit, Kiev and Washington also signed a series of agreements on scientific and technical cooperation, space flight security, information protection and border security.

At the beginning of their meeting on Wednesday in the Oval Office, Biden said "the US remains firmly committed to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russian aggression and our support for Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic aspirations".

He announced an additional $60 million in security assistance to Ukraine, and the creation of a new strategic defence framework as well as an energy and climate dialogue. (IANS)

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