"This new agreement will bring us closer to our partners here in Ukraine, while also exploring areas where we can bring our expertise to the country's needs," said Grete Faremo, UNOPS Executive Director.

Mr. Gennadiy Zubko, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Regional Development said: "This agreement is of paramount importance to Ukraine and its people. We're very proud that following a meeting with the President of Ukraine just six months ago, we're able to sign today this key document. I'd like to express special gratitude to Ms. Faremo who is known to us as someone who successfully negotiated the entry of Norway into the Schengen zone. Now at the helm of UNOPS, she will help us conquer new heights."

"We are well aware of UNOPS capacity to efficiently implement projects in hardship conditions and sensitive environments. We're delighted that we will now be able to benefit from UNOPS expertise," said Vadym Chernish, Ukraine's Minister of Temporarily Occupied Territories and Internally Displaced Persons.

UNOPS current work in Ukraine includes projects funded by the Governments of Japan and Canada.

With financing from Japan, UNOPS is purchasing medical equipment for five hospitals in Ukraine, in cooperation with the Ministry of Defense and the State Border Guard Service. The US$2.5 million project will help to accelerate diagnostic procedures for severely injured military personnel and civilians. UNOPS is also purchasing protective wear and medical equipment for the State Border Guard Services, thanks to C$2 million in financial assistance from Canada. This equipment will aid in the country's border security by increasing its monitoring, enforcement and patrol capacities.

Many other projects are in the pipeline.