President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has met with representatives of international defense companies at the first International Defense Industries Forum.

He also had a meeting with Slovak Defense Minister Martin Sklenár.

The Office of the President announced this on Saturday, September 30.

Zelensky met with representatives of defense companies from the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Turkey, Sweden, and the Czech Republic.

The parties discussed the prospects of partnership and joint arms production, taking into account Ukraine’s military experience. In particular, it regards air defense systems.

“The sky shield and demining are the two biggest priorities for us today,” the President stated.

According to the President, this includes both air defense means and the production of systems for warning, surveillance, etc: “We have to do this. This will be useful not only for Ukraine, but also for Europe and our neighbors.”

Zelensky also noted that Ukraine was interested in the production of long-range missiles and artillery. According to him, Ukraine is ready to offer special conditions to companies that are willing to develop defense production together with our country.

Cooperation with Slovakia

In addition, Volodymyr Zelensky met with Minister of Defense of the Slovak Republic Martin Sklenár, who arrived in Kyiv to participate in the first International Defense Industries Forum.

The President thanked Slovakia for providing military and humanitarian aid to our country since the first days of Russian aggression: “We are grateful to your country for supporting Ukraine politically and on the battlefield. This is a priority for us. I am grateful to everyone in Slovakia.”

Zelensky noted the high level of Slovakia’s defense industry. The parties discussed the needs of our country in the field of humanitarian demining, as well as the potential for cooperation in the production of relevant equipment in Ukraine.

On September 29, Kyiv hosted the first International Defense Industries Forum (DFNC1), which brought together 252 companies from more than 30 countries that produce weapons and military equipment. The event included bilateral and multilateral meetings of the Ukrainian leadership with representatives of partner countries and foreign defense companies.