NATO Secretary General discusses key defence reforms with Ukrainian Minister of Defence
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Ukrainian Minister of Defence Stepan Poltorak met on Tuesday (8 March 2016) for talks on Ukraine’s progress in moving forward with key defence reforms and how NATO can best support this effort. In a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission, the Secretary General, Minister Poltorak and Allied ambassadors also exchanged views on the security situation in Ukraine’s east and the state of the implementation of the Minsk agreements.
The Secretary General reiterated NATO’s strong support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and stressed that NATO will continue to increase both its political and practical assistance to Ukraine. Mr. Stoltenberg also praised Ukraine for embarking on an ambitious road to comprehensive reforms, including of its defence and security sector. NATO continues to support Ukraine’s reforms with advisors in Kyiv, through capacity building Trust Funds and through the Annual National Programme and Partnership Review Process.
The Secretary General emphasised that there is a clear need for quick decisions on reforms and for their efficient and full implementation. He also thanked Minister Poltorak for engaging and incorporating Allied advice in the reform of Ukraine’s Armed Forces. Mr. Stoltenberg encouraged Ukraine to fully embrace the principles of civilian democratic control over the armed forces and underscored that NATO and Allied advisors will continue to assist Ukraine in implementing its ambitious goal to adopt NATO standards and practices.