Press Release (2000)61 8 June 2000

Statement Meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission at the Level of Defence Ministers held at NATO Headquarters on 8 June 2000 The NATO-Ukraine Commission met on 8 June 2000 in Defence Ministers session at NATO Headquarters in Brussels. Ministers welcomed the positive development of the distinctive partnership between NATO and Ukraine since their last meeting, as reflected, in particular, by the first ever session of the NATO-Ukraine Commission at Ambassadorial level in Kyiv in March 2000, the visit of the Chairman of the Military Committee to Ukraine in May and, most recently, the meeting of the Prime Minister of Ukraine with the Secretary General of NATO in Brussels. The Commission expressed its appreciation for the continuing efforts of President Leonid Kuchma and the Government of Ukraine to contribute to stability and security in the Euro-Atlantic area. Ministers reviewed the situation in Kosovo and reaffirmed their commitment to the full implementation of UNSCR 1244. Ministers were fully satisfied with the status of NATO-Ukraine cooperation in KFOR and welcomed the upcoming deployment of the Polish-Ukrainian Battalion in Kosovo in July 2000. The Commission welcomed the contribution of the NATO-Ukraine partnership to European security, in particular through Ukraine's successful participation in the PfP programme. Allies commended Ukraine on the recent ratification of the PfP Status of Forces Agreement by the Verkhovna Rada, noting that this decision represented a significant step forward in enhancing practical co-operation, including future use of the Yavoriv PfP Training Centre. Ministers welcomed the upcoming PfP exercise "Cooperative Partner 2000", to be hosted by Ukraine from 19-30 June 2000. The Commission noted Minister Kuzmuk's overview of Ukraine's plans for the restructuring and development of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Allies reaffirmed their commitment to help develop and implement Ukraine's plans for developing the armed forces needed to meet the challenges of the future. They welcomed the recent decision by the National Security and Defence Council related to the programme of development of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and, in this context, they urged Ukraine to take this process further. The Commission also reviewed progress in the Joint Working Group on Defence Reform, noting with particular satisfaction the developing relationship between the National Defence Academy (Kyiv), the NATO Defence College (Rome) and the SHAPE School (Oberammergau) aimed at enhancing mutual understanding and interoperability. This includes the introduction in September 2000 of a three week course at the National Defence Academy for Ukrainian officers designated for NATO/Peace Support Operations related posts in Ukraine and abroad. Ministers discussed the priorities of the Joint Working Group on Defence Reform for the remainder of the year and welcomed a meeting at senior level to take place later this year. Ministers expressed their satisfaction with the programme of cooperation between NATO and Ukraine and stressed the important role of the NATO Liaison Office and the NATO Information and Documentation Centre in Ukraine in carrying forward the distinctive partnership. They welcomed Ukraine's decision to post officers to Partnership Staff Elements in the near future. The Commission also welcomed the Action Plan, approved by NATO and Ukraine, on the "Status and Main Directions of Development of NATO-Ukraine Cooperation in the field of Armaments".