Oleksandr Turchynov: International cooperation in the military industrial complex will strengthen the defense potential of Ukraine, of its partners, and security in Europe in general
Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov has reliance in that international cooperation in the military industrial complex will strengthen the defense potential of Ukraine, of its partners, and security in Europe in general.
Opening the XIII International Specialized Exhibition "Arms and Security 2016" and the X International Aviation and Space Salon "Aviasvit XXI" the NSDC Secretary called symbolic that this event takes place on the eve of two holidays - the Day of Intercession of the Holy Virgin and the Day of Defender of Ukraine.
"Those are the defenders of Ukraine - brave and strong people - stopped the enemy of our country who was much stronger than we are. May the memory of those heroes who gave their lives protecting and freeing Ukraine live forever", - said Mr. Turchynov.
The NSDC Secretary stressed that within the short term, Ukraine restored the fighting capacity of the Armed Forces, and "today, Ukrainian army is one of the most battle-worthy armies of Europe".
Oleksandr Turchynov acknowledged that the enemy, despite the cease-fire agreements, continues shelling Ukrainian positions. According to him, the Russian troops dislocated on the territory of Ukraine, together with terrorist groupings controlled by them, continue aggressive military actions against Ukraine, execute fire with prohibited weapons, so that Ukrainian military die and suffer injuries.
"Russia who seized the Crimea and is waging war in Donbas, destroying civilian neighborhoods in Syria and burns humanitarian convoys with the help of it air forces, places offensive missile armaments, including the one carrying nuclear power, - the key factor of risk and destabilization in the world. What other arguments are required to prove that the aggressor should not be persuaded, the aggressor must be stopped?! And today, in the East of Ukraine, the aggressor is stopped by the courage and professionalism of our military", - Secretary of the NSDC of Ukraine stated.
Mr. Turchynov pointed out that domestic enterprises produce a wide range of modern and effective weapons ranging from small arms to powerful armored vehicles, modern guided missile systems, and military-transport aircraft. "We are interested in the efficient and effective military-technical cooperation with our partners", - he said adding that it will allow to significantly strengthen defense capabilities of Ukraine and its partners.
"Today's exhibition is a very important platform where we can see not only the achievements of our enterprises but also the capabilities of our partners", - Secretary of the NSDC of Ukraine added. Oleksandr Turchynov stated that the exhibition demonstrates the capabilities of both Ukraine and its trusted partners and expressed hope to conclude many new contracts between producers of modern weapons and military equipment, to create joint and discuss prospective projects.
In summary, Oleksandr Turchynov expressed confidence that cooperation between the participants of the exhibition will "result in new developments, contribute to the development of new modern military equipment and weapons, strengthen the defense potential of Ukraine and our partners, and security in Europe in general".
The opening ceremony was also attended by Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Arsen Avakov, Minister of Defense of Ukraine Stepan Poltorak, Commander of the National Guard of Ukraine Yuriy Allerov, Deputy Secretaries of the NSDC of Ukraine, the leadership of "Ukroboronprom", Director of National Security Bureau of Poland Pawel Soloch, who is paying a two-day visit to Ukraine under the Protocol on cooperation between the Staff of the NSDC of Ukraine and the NSB of the Republic of Poland, Minister of National Defense of Romania Mihnea Motoc, Federal Minister of Defense Industry of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Hussain Ran Tanveer, representatives of the diplomatic corps.
Over 400 participants from 13 countries were represented at the exhibition; more than 100 participants from 25 countries are going to decide on the purchase of weapons.