State Of Indiana And Ukraine Sign Cooperation Agreement

Indiana’s Governor Eric Holcomb has become the first sitting Governor to visit Ukraine since the Russia-Ukraine War.

During his visit to Ukraine, Gov. Holcomb met with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and they signed a Memorandum of Cooperation.

Zelenskyy posted on X, “Today, another important partnership document was signed—a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Zhytomyr region and the state of Indiana.”

The president of Ukraine continued, “The document outlines the development of economic ties and investments, the strengthening of trade relations, and the exchange of experience in the agricultural sector and high-tech manufacturing.”

‘I thank Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb for his comprehensive support of Ukraine,’ added Zelensky.

Ukraine values all the support provided by the United States to our country and our people. Our cooperation is strong not only at the national level—between Ukraine and the United States—but also in relations with individual U.S. states, between our communities, and our people.… pic.twitter.com/UtuQmizKbd

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) September 5, 2024

Per WRTV:

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb made history this week by being the first sitting U.S governor to visit Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion.

His focus was to create diplomacy with hope of positively impacting the future of the economic, academic, and cultural relationships.

The governor met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss how Indiana can strengthen its support of Ukraine now and in the future, including continuing critical agricultural and life science support.

While he was there, he also visited the Wall of Remembrance. It honors Ukrainians who have lost their lives in Ukraine’s fight against Russia.

#INUkraine | Honored to be the first U.S. governor to meet with President @ZelenskyyUa in Kyiv since the invasion began. Discussed #Indiana’s unwavering support for #Ukraine and the ongoing partnership between our people 🇺🇸🤝🇺🇦. https://t.co/iCApI1hrkw

— Governor Eric Holcomb (@GovHolcomb) September 5, 2024

Per WDRB:

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb made a trip to Ukraine to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the first U.S. governor to visit the country since Russia invaded in February 2022.

According to a news release from the governor’s office, the meeting will “focus on subnational diplomacy that will positively impact future economic, academic and cultural two way partnerships between Indiana and Ukraine.”

“Indiana’s reach far extends beyond our state borders,” Holcomb said in the release. “Where others may hesitate, Hoosiers step up, especially for friends in need.”

Holcomb arrived Thursday morning in Ukraine after traveling from Milan to Kyiv with a small delegation. Holcomb was expected to be joined by Dr. Svitlana Ramer, the Honorary Consul of Ukraine, and meet with with U.S. and Ukrainian government officials to discuss Indiana’s “role in maintaining overseas economic, academic and cultural relationships.”

The governor was scheduled to meet Zelenskyy to discuss ways Indiana can further support Ukraine. Holcomb was also expected to meet with the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal and U.S. Ambassador Bridget A. Brink.