During a working visit to Germany on Wednesday, November 8, Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine, Oksen Lisovy, together with Federal Minister of Education and Research of Germany, Bettina Stark-Watzinger, signed a Declaration of Intent on cooperation in the field of science, technology and innovation and discussed the details of further cooperation.

"This partnership will cover joint work in the following areas: development of dialogue on scientific policy issues at different levels; expansion of scientific cooperation in research areas of mutual importance and common interest; strengthening academic mobility of students and scientists with special attention to young scientists; creation of joint operation of research and/or innovation institutions, laboratories and international centers of advanced research (cores of excellence); encouraging institutional partnership between German and Ukrainian universities and scientific institutions," the press service of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine reports.

It is noted that the initiative opens up new opportunities for the exchange of knowledge and technology between Ukraine and Germany, the development of education, research and innovation in both countries. It is also the foundation for the conclusion of a new agreement in the field of science, technology and innovation between Ukraine and Germany next year.

According to the Ministry, Ukraine has been cooperating with Germany in the field of education for 30 years. During this time, Ukrainian scientists together with their German colleagues have implemented more than 200 projects, held dozens of meetings, conferences and forums, which became the basis for more than a hundred different collaborations between Ukrainian and German universities, scientific institutions and innovative enterprises.

"Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Germany has also been actively supporting Ukrainian education. Now more than 200,000 Ukrainian children study in German schools, some of whom continue distance education in Ukrainian schools. In order for students to have access to quality education and not lose touch with the state, educational projects are being implemented in Germany. In particular, the SchuleUA project (Your Ukrainian school in Munich) is a school where education takes place according to the educational standards of Ukraine," the message says.

During his visit to Germany and meeting with Bettina Stark-Watzinger, Lisovy also made proposals to expand educational opportunities for Ukrainian children in Germany. In particular, it was about adding Ukrainian to the list of foreign languages that are studied in German schools. That is, to create an elective in which Ukrainian children will be able to additionally learn their native language. Such a decision will support Ukrainian children and allow them to preserve their national identity.