Joint press conference

with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and the President of Ukraine, Mr. Petro Poroshenko - Opening remarks by Secretary General

  • 17 Dec. 2015 -
  • |
  • Last updated: 17 Dec. 2015 16:08

(as delivered)

Joint press point with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and the President of Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko

President Petro Poroshenko, it is great to have you back at the NATO Headquarters. It’s great to see you again. We last met during my visit to Ukraine early this fall and I think your visit here today is just yet another example of how NATO and Ukraine is developing and strengthening our strong and highly valued partnership.

Your visit to Brussels, to NATO and to the European Union, comes at an important time – for Europe and for Ukraine.

And we discussed during our meeting how we can further strengthen the partnership between NATO and Ukraine.

And NATO continues to stand by Ukraine. With both political and practical support. And we strongly support the implementation of the Minsk Agreements.

There has been some progress over the last months.

But recently we have seen an increased number of violations of the ceasefire. And there is a real risk of the resumption of the violence.

Ukraine still does not have full control over its borders.

Russia has still not withdrawn its troops or equipment.

Illegal groups have not been disarmed.

So it is really vital to make sure that all sides keep their commitments. And Russia bears a special responsibility.

NATO and NATO Allies will continue to provide practical support for Ukraine.

Our Trust Funds are helping Ukraine modernise its command and control, cyber, logistics capabilities and other parts of its armed forces.

We are advising the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence and the General Staff.

And many Allies support Ukraine bilaterally, providing training and different types of assistance.

These projects make a real difference in building Ukraine’s ability to defend itself and strengthen its institutions.

And Ukraine has shown commitment in implementing ambitious reforms.

Continued progress on reforms and political stability is essential to building a strong, democratic and stable Ukraine.

And I urge you to continue on this path.

This will be good for Ukraine, and good for European security.

And as you undertake this important work at a critical time in Ukraine’s history, you have a committed friend and a strong partner in NATO.

So again Mr President, it’s a great honour to have you here and the floor is yours.