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| Updated: 14-Jun-2004 | NATO Press Releases |
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Press Release (2004)089 14 June 2004 |
Chairman's statement Meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission The NATO-Ukraine Commission met today at Ambassadorial level in Brussels to discuss the preparations underway for the 29 June meeting of the NUC at the level of Heads of State and Government, to be held in Istanbul. The Commission also reviewed the role of NATO-Ukraine cooperation in enhancing peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area, noting in this context the strategic nature of the NATO-Ukraine relationship. Allied Ambassadors expressed their appreciation for Ukraine's continuing commitment to support Allied efforts to ensure peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area. They welcomed Ukraine's continuing participation in NATO-led and other peacekeeping operations, as well as Ukraine's support in the fight against terrorism. Allies also welcomed progress made in implementing the first phases of the Defence Review, as discussed at the High Level Consultations held in Warsaw on 6-7 June. Members of the Commission reiterated that further enhancement of NATO-Ukraine relations must be based on a shared commitment to Euro-Atlantic objectives and values. Allies underscored the need for Ukraine to continue to implement all aspects of the NATO-Ukraine Action Plan, notably by holding free and fair elections, upholding the rule law, ensuring respect for media freedom and independence, and guaranteeing unrestricted access to media for all contenders in the elections. The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Oleg Shamshur, informed the Commission of the political, socio-economic, military, defence and security sector reforms conducted thus far in 2004 in support of Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration policy, including its goal of NATO membership. The Ukrainian delegation expressed satisfaction with dynamic development of cooperation with the Alliance in different areas of practical cooperation which was proved by fruitful meetings of Ukraine-NATO joint working groups on defence reform, cooperation in armaments, science and environmental protection, as well as the meeting of SGP with Ukraine on non-proliferation issues and annual PARP bilateral consultations. Members of the Commission welcomed the entering into force of the Ukraine-NATO MOU on Host Nation Support, as well as the signature in Warsaw of the NATO-Ukraine Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Airlift, as strong indicators of Ukraine's commitment to a robust and mutually beneficial NATO-Ukraine relationship. |
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