An administrative agreement between the Ukrainian Defense Ministry and the European Defense Agency has been signed at a meeting of Ukrainian Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak and EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini.

The meeting took place at the NATO headquarters on Monday, December 7, says a report published on the Ukrainian Defense Ministry website.

"The signing of this agreement is another important step towards the European integration of Ukraine. It will lay down legal grounds for practical cooperation between Ukraine and EU member countries in the field of defense and will provide a chance to connect to the agency's programs and projects," Poltorak said.

According to the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, the main purpose of the agreement is "the maximum definition of general spheres of common interest in which Ukraine and EU member countries will eventually cooperate." It is also bound to promote Ukraine's involvement in European research and development of defense technologies.