Ukraine and Poland have signed an agreement to enhance their defence cooperation, in the wake of new security challenges in Central Europe.

The agreement between the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Government of the Republic of Poland has been elaborated under the Law of Ukraine on International Treaties, Ukraine's Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

The defence cooperation will see the development of a new military-industrial complex and Ukraine's armed forces.

Poland President Andrzej Duda said: “We are continuously ready to provide expert as well as financial assistance to Ukraine, which is passed on every year by the Polish authorities within the framework of the modernisation of the country and the implementation of reforms.”

The Polish and Ukrainian armed forces will provide each other with personnel training, consultation, military equipment and weapons, liaison organisation, and logistics and infrastructure development.

"We are continuously ready to provide expert as well as financial assistance to Ukraine."

The agreement will also allow the countries to launch new co-operative initiatives in up to 24 areas.

Minister of Defence of Ukraine General of the Army of Ukraine Stepan Poltorak said: “We celebrate the 25th anniversary of establishment of the diplomatic Polish-Ukrainian relations.

"It’s symbolic that today we have signed the agreement on defence cooperation, which will cover 24 activities, i.e. almost the whole partnership scope.”

The latest agreement will replace an earlier defence cooperation agreement signed by the countries in 1993.

Image: Ukraine and Poland enhance cooperation in defence sphere. Photo: courtesy of MoD of Ukraine.