Ukraine, United States to be connected by secure communication line

KYIV. Sept 1 (Interfax-Ukraine) – The Administration of the State Service for Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine and the United States Department of State signed an agreement on the establishment of a secure communication line, the agency said on its website on Wednesday.

According to Head of the State Special Communications Service Yuriy Schyhol, the signing of the agreement, as well as the formation of national centers for the exchange of information in the capitals is an important step for both countries.

Combining efforts in this direction will make it possible to more effectively counter threats in the information sector.

"Today, special attention is paid to creating an environment that ensures the transfer of information, given the growing global role of information security. I hope that a secure communication line will facilitate rapid decision-making at a strategic level. This communication line will also greatly simplify the process of transferring information, reliably protecting it," the State Special Communications Service’s head said.

In order to implement the agreement, the parties undertake to ensure the creation and operation of the National Center for the Exchange of Information in the capitals of their states.

Such centers will be used to exchange information in order to build confidence and enhance international security.

The National Center in Ukraine is the General Directorate of Government Communications of the State Special Communications Service, and in the United States, the Center for the Reduction of National and Nuclear Threats of the United States.

According to the signed document, the functioning of the line of secure communication between Ukraine and the United States meets the interests of strengthening peace and international security and is an important element of confidence-building.