Portugal will provide military support to Ukraine worth at least 126 million euros this year according to an agreement signed today in Lisbon by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, reported Reuters and Ukrinform, quoted by BTA.
The bilateral pact, which spans the next decade, follows similar, if more extensive, agreements signed by Zelensky with Spain and Belgium respectively yesterday and today.
According to the Ukrainian president's website, "the agreement confirms Portugal's commitment to support Ukraine in restoring its territorial integrity within the 1991 borders, including the territorial sea,", notes Ukrinform. It also confirms Portugal's participation in the coalition delivery of F-16s to Ukraine, the large-caliber ammunition procurement program, mine clearance efforts, and maritime security.
Specific provisions of the agreement are devoted to bilateral cooperation in the defense industry, the intelligence sector, the fight against organized crime and propaganda, as well as countering chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear risks.
According to the agreement, Kyiv and Lisbon will coordinate and strengthen their joint efforts to support the Eastern European country on its way to NATO membership.
The political cooperation section includes support for the Ukrainian formula for peace, bringing the aggressor to justice, strengthening sanctions against the Russian Federation, and working together to create a mechanism to compensate for losses, damages or harm caused by Russian aggression. Portugal is also committed to continue its participation in the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children and to contribute to the achievement of the goals set out in the framework document of this coalition.
Portugal is the twelfth country to sign a bilateral security agreement with Ukraine in implementation of the G7 Joint Declaration adopted in Vilnius on July 12 last year. Previously, Ukraine signed bilateral agreements with Great Britain, Germany, France, Denmark, Canada, Italy, Netherlands, Finland, Latvia, Spain and Belgium.