President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has submitted to the Verkhovna Rada draft law No. 0332 on the ratification of the agreement with the United Kingdom, which provides for the creation of an unprecedented 100-year partnership between the two countries. The agreement was signed in January of this year following negotiations between the heads of both states - Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer.
The document lays the legal foundation for long-term cooperation in a wide range of areas: from politics and security to economics, science, technology, culture and education. It is one of the most ambitious formats of international interaction that Ukraine has joined since its independence.
According to Volodymyr Zelensky, the signing of this agreement became a symbol of a special level of trust and mutual support between Kyiv and London. The President emphasized that Ukraine and the United Kingdom are closer to each other than ever before, and the new format of partnership is proof that both states are ready to build relations not for decades, but for centuries to come.
"We have reached a new level, this is more than a strategic relationship. We have signed an agreement on a 100-year partnership, covering almost all key industries. Today is a truly historic day," the Ukrainian head of state noted during the document signing ceremony.
The agreement envisages strengthening bilateral cooperation in the areas of defense and security, which is especially relevant against the backdrop of full-scale Russian aggression. It also envisages the development of mutual trade, promotion of joint scientific and research programs, modernization of educational exchanges, and joint cultural projects.
Experts note that the signing of such a long-term agreement is a unique precedent in modern international politics. Most bilateral agreements have a term of validity ranging from several years to two decades. The format of the century-old partnership demonstrates the strategic interest of both parties in the stable and consistent development of relations that can survive changes of governments, economic crises, or global challenges.
After ratification by parliament, the agreement will enter into force. Its implementation is expected to begin with a number of joint initiatives in the fields of defense, humanitarian aid, and support for Ukrainian businesses during the war.
