The leadership of the Asset Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA) held an online meeting with representatives of the Central Office for Seizure and Confiscation of the Kingdom of Belgium (COSC). This is the first meeting between the agencies at the level of the heads of the authorities of both countries.

The meeting was attended by ARMA Head Olena Duma and Deputy Head Grigol Katamadze. The Belgian authority was represented by Walter Quirinen, Acting Director, and An Raes, Liaison Judge.

During the meeting, important issues of bilateral cooperation were discussed, including the organization of joint training sessions for specialists of both agencies and preparation for the signing of an interagency international agreement.

Olena Duma, Head of ARMA, emphasized the importance of sharing experience with Belgian colleagues: “The COSC is the first asset recovery and management body established in the EU and has recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. Your experience is extremely valuable for us, especially in the context of Ukraine's European integration aspirations.”

Grigol Katamadze added: “This meeting is a logical continuation of our dialog with Belgian partners. Yesterday we had a fruitful conversation with Ambassador of Belgium to Ukraine Luc Jacobs, where we also discussed cooperation between ARMA and COSC.”

COSC representatives expressed their readiness to share their many years of experience in the management of seized assets, as well as to adopt the best practices of the Ukrainian agency.

The parties agreed to develop a plan of joint training activities for 2025, accelerate work on the draft interagency agreement and hold the next meeting in an expanded format with the involvement of specialized experts from both agencies.