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The US government has signed a security cooperation agreement with the Czech Republic to strengthen defence ties, enhance NATO operations, and advance transatlantic security.
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Czech Republic Defence Minister Jana Cernochova and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J Austin III signed the security agreement at the Pentagon on 23 May.
“Our strategic partnership has never been stronger, and that’s especially true after Russia’s cruel and unprovoked assault on its peaceful neighbour, Ukraine,” Secretary Austin said.
“I know that your citizens hear the echoes of Moscow’s invasion in 1968, so we are very glad that the Czech Republic has committed itself to supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes.
“It will deepen our defence ties even further, enhance our interoperability, strengthen NATO, and increase stability in Europe.”
The US Secretary of Defense also thanked the Czech Republic for contributions to defending NATO’s eastern flank.
“We also are very grateful for your contributions to enhancing NATO’s deterrence; enhancing deterrence on NATO’s eastern flank. The Czech Republic is leading the way as a framework nation in the new NATO battlegroup in Slovakia,” Austin said.
“I’m also excited about the pending delivery of the first Viper attack helicopters next month. And finally, I’m proud to note that July marks the 30th anniversary of the Czech Republic’s unique state partnership with both the Texas and the Nebraska National Guard.”
Defence Minister Jana Cernochova said signing the defence cooperation agreement between the Czech Republic and the United States has a deep meaning to deepen the practical defence cooperation.
“The United States is still deeply engaged in Europe’s security, and is our most important ally,” she said.
“The defence cooperation agreement will make our cooperation even stronger, even though it’s a bilateral agreement, (it) will become a part of the network of defence cooperation among allies in NATO as a whole.
“The Russian effort to usurp control over a sovereign country is linked to our own historical memory, which is why the Czech Republic has been one of the top supporters of Ukraine globally.
“It is clear that the Czech Republic’s military support to Ukraine would not be as large without the US support.
“I would again like to thank you, the US government and the US Congress for your decision last year to donate eight Bell helicopters to the Czech Republic. These helicopters that are now operating by the Czech Air Force can be delivered to Ukraine once the US aircraft arrive.”
