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| Updated: 27-Nov-2003 | NATO Press Releases |
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Press Release {Number} 26 Nov. 2003 |
Statement Meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission The NATO-Ukraine Commission met in Ambassadorial session at
NATO Headquarters on 26 November 2003, to discuss the role
of the NATO-Ukraine Distinctive Partnership in enhancing peace
and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area, as well as progress
made in implementing the NATO-Ukraine Action Plan and 2003
Annual Target Plan. The Ukrainian Ambassador welcomed the seven
Invitee countries to their first ever meeting of the Commission.
In discussing the role of the NATO-Ukraine Distinctive Partnership to enhancing Euro-Atlantic security, members of the Commission reiterated that the security of all states in Euro-Atlantic area is indivisible. The Ukrainian Ambassador welcomed NATO's continuing efforts to meet the challenges of changing circumstances and its role in promoting Euro-Atlantic security. He also reiterated Ukraine's commitment to maintaining its engagements in NATO-led operations and other international efforts to fight the scourge of terrorism. Allied Ambassadors praised Ukraine's practical contribution to ongoing operations. NUC Ambassadors also discussed the ongoing cooperation under the NATO-Ukraine Distinctive Partnership, in particular the first year of activity undertaken under the NATO-Ukraine Action Plan adopted in Prague. The Ukrainian Ambassador informed Allies of his country's accomplishments in 2003 to further democratic, economic, and defence reform, as well as its efforts to combat money laundering, terrorism, organized crime and corruption as part of Ukraine's strategy to pursue Euro-Atlantic integration, including its long-term goal of NATO membership. He also briefed the Commission on the actions of his government to create a comprehensive system of supervision, monitoring and coordination of Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration policy and cooperation with the Alliance. Allied Ambassadors noted and showed appreciation for the efforts made by Ukraine in 2003 to implement the objectives of the Action Plan and the activities in the 2003 Annual Target Plan, while stressing specific areas where improvements need to be made. In particular, they emphasized the importance of free and fair elections, guaranteed media freedoms and rule of law, political reform, the strengthening of civil society and judiciary, and of improving defence-related export controls. They encouraged Ukraine in its pursuit of defence and economic reforms, noting the legal and institutional changes that have been made by Ukraine, and called for renewed emphasis on practical implementation.The Commission also underlined the high level of engagement and cooperation between Ukraine and NATO in the area of defence and security sector reform. Ambassadors welcomed the progress made in implementing the first phases of the Defence Review as important steps towards comprehensive defence reform in Ukraine. Allies reaffirmed NATO's commitment to support Ukraine in its efforts to develop adequate defence capabilities to meet its national security concerns in the context of the Euro-Atlantic integration policy of Ukraine. Looking towards next year, members of the Commission also discussed the draft 2004 NATO-Ukraine Annual Target Plan, which is to be considered by NUC Foreign Ministers at their upcoming meeting at NATO Headquarters on 5 December.
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