On April 1, 2014 Acting Foreign Minister of Ukraine H.E. Mr. Andrii Deshchytsia took part in the NATO-Ukraine Commission (NUC) at the level of Foreign Ministers, held at NATO Headquarters in Brussels chaired by the NATO Secretary General Mr. Anders Fogh Rasmussen.

During the meeting was continued comprehensive discussion of political and security situation in Ukraine on the background of aggression on the side of Russia and ways of intensifying cooperation between Ukraine and NATO to support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country, as well as the renovation of the capability and the capacity of its Armed Forces.

Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has provided detailed information about the actions of Ukrainian authorities at this difficult time for our country. NATO Foreign Ministers were informed of an ambitious plan to reform the budget, recently submitted to the Prime Minister of Ukraine Arseniy Yatsenyuk. It was also confirmed readiness to free, fair and democratic presidential elections in Ukraine, scheduled for May 25, 2014.

A.Deshchytsia thanked NATO, its Member States and the Alliance`s Secretary General personally for consistent and strong support for Ukraine, which last time was shown on March 27 this year, when all NATO member states unanimously step force by the co-authors of UN General Assembly Resolution „The territorial  integrity of Ukraine”.

The participants condemned the illegal military invasion of Russia in Ukraine as well as Russian violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country. They reiterated their position on recognition of illegitimate and illegal „annexation” of Crimea by Russia. Was given the high appreciation the courage, discipline and restraint of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

NATO-Ukraine Commission also called on Russia to take steps to de-escalation of the situation and supported the direction OSCE observer mission into Ukraine.
In addition, the NATO-Ukraine Commission discussed the schedule of intensive political dialogue and practical cooperation active in the nearest future in order to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country, strengthening joint action in the area of emergency preparedness and critical infrastructure protection of our country, the restoration of national defense, combat readiness and logistics of the Armed Forces, strengthening the capacity of Ukrainian scientific sector in critical areas today.

Following the discussion it was agreed list of specific activities within the NUC at the close, medium and long term to enhance the military, defense and practical cooperation to further support Ukraine. It was a practical demonstration of the commitment of allies distinctive partnership with Ukraine.

Following the meeting a declaration NATO-Ukraine Commission at the level of Foreign Ministers has been adopted.

Upon completion of the NUC meeting A.Deschytsya held a press conference for representatives of local and foreign media accredited to NATO Headquarters.

 

Текст заяви Комісії Україна-НАТО (англійською мовою)