Ukraine is preparing to jointly produce drones with the Philippines for use by the Philippines in intelligence gathering and patrolling of islands and reefs in the South China Sea.
According to the front page of the Manila Times, Ukraine intends to reach a defense agreement with the Philippines, which would allow the two countries to jointly produce drones that the Philippine military can use for remote patrols in the South China Sea.
Ukrainian Ambassador to Manila Yulia Fediv (photo) stated that the Ukrainian defense delegation is expected to arrive in the Philippines in October to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to sign the agreement.
Fediv announced this news at the Ukraine-Philippines Economic and Trade Special Forum organized by the Philippine Islands Chamber of Commerce.
Fediv said that Ukraine is "currently developing different [drone] models." She said that Kyiv has sent proposals to countries around the world on "how we can jointly produce [drones], and how to exchange our knowledge and technology."
Fediv said that the joint production of drones will be one of the topics discussed during the meeting. She said that the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has already submitted a draft memorandum of understanding on this matter.
"We are open to cooperation, but I think the first step is to sign a defense agreement between the governments of Ukraine and the Philippines to establish this legal framework," she said.
"We [are] now waiting [for the DND's] response. Then we can proceed with the joint production [of drones]," Fediv said.
She also said that Ukraine is interested in cybersecurity cooperation with the Philippines.
"As I have mentioned many times, the Philippines... you are a reliable partner of ours in the region. That is why we are willing to share all the lessons we have learned from [our situation] with you," Fediv said.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1841917211781132/
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