Ukraine and Israel plan to open innovation offices in Jerusalem and Kyiv to promote technology cooperation between the two countries.

The announcement was made during Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent visit to Ukraine - the Israeli leader's first in 20 years. He said the opening of the high-tech development offices will strengthen Israel’s diplomatic and technological ties with Ukraine.

During his visit, on August 19, State Secretary of the Economic Development and Trade Ministry of Ukraine Oleksii Perevezentsev and Israeli Ambassador to Ukraine Joel Lion signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry and the Israeli Patent Office.

The document will expand bilateral cooperation by establishing direct cooperation between the Ukrainian and Israeli agencies, promote the development and strengthening of the national systems of industrial property, establish cooperation mechanisms.

The memorandum provides for cooperation in the following areas: exchange of information on legislation on patents, industrial designs, trademarks, designations of origin; approval of the procedure for granting legal protection to industrial property, in particular in the field of patent search and examination; activities in the field of information services; exchange of experience and knowledge on managing the examination process and organization of automated search; promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises in the field of industrial property protection and other areas.

Joint conferences, seminars and forums are also planned to raise awareness among stakeholders, train staff and improve skills through internships and practical training.