Chairman's Statement

Meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission
in Defence Ministers session

The NATO-Ukraine Commission met in Brussels at the level of Defence Ministers on 14 June to discuss defence and security sector reform in Ukraine and Ukraine’s participation in NATO-led operations.  Ministers reiterated their strong commitment to and support for Euro-Atlantic values and agreed to continue to work together to strengthen the principles of the rule of law including through ensuring effective civil and democratic control of security and defence structures and supporting the development of democratic institutions.  They also emphasized their determination to carry forward their commitments under the NATO-Ukraine Commission and advance this distinguished partnership notably through the Intensified Dialogue on Ukraine’s aspirations to membership and relevant reforms. 

Ministers also noted with satisfaction that the year 2007 would mark the tenth anniversary of the NATO-Ukraine Distinctive Partnership and stressed their determination to continue to develop this strategically important partnership including through reinforcing efforts to assist Ukraine in conducting public information campaigns about NATO and its roles. 

Ministers further welcomed progress achieved by Ukraine in implementing reforms aimed at aligning the Ukrainian Armed Forces more closely with NATO standards and improving interoperability between Allied and Ukrainian units.  They also reviewed efforts undertaken by the Ukrainian Authorities to implement reforms in Ukraine’s wider security sector.  In this regard, Ministers welcomed the adoption of the first National Security Strategy of Ukraine and encouraged Ukraine to continue to implement the National Security Sector Review.  Considering prospects for the successful pursuit of Euro-Atlantic integration aspirations of Ukraine, Ministers stressed the need to continue to implement wide-ranging reforms particularly in Ukraine’s intelligence and security services as part of the National Security Sector Review in Ukraine.  Ministers also reiterated their strong determination to sustain their efforts to assist Ukraine in implementing defence and security sector reforms.

Ministers also welcomed the ongoing implementation of practical initiatives under the NATO-Ukraine Joint Working Group on Defence Reform (JWGDR) including the JWGDR Programme for Professional Development of Civilian Personnel employed in Ukrainian security institutions; the NATO-Ukraine Working Group on Civil and Democratic Control of the Intelligence Sector; and the NATO-Ukraine Partnership Network for Civil Society Expertise Development.  They also emphasized the continuing importance of NATO-Ukraine co-operation under the Planning and Review Process (PARP) and the Annual Military Committee with Ukraine Work Plan.  Ministers also reaffirmed their support for efforts being undertaken with a view to managing consequences of defence and security sector reforms.  In this regard, they particularly welcomed the ongoing implementation of the NATO/PfP Trust Fund for the world's largest destruction project for surplus munitions, Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and Man Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS), and the Programmes for Resettlement of Released Military Personnel in Ukraine including the Khmelnitsky NATO/PfP Trust Fund.

Reviewing Ukraine’s contribution to common security, Ministers appreciated Ukraine’s continuing support for KFOR, the NATO Training Mission in Iraq, and the NATO-led ISAF operation in Afghanistan.  They also welcomed Ukraine’s effective contribution to the Operation ACTIVE ENDEAVOUR including through the deployment of a Ukrainian corvette, the URS Ternopil, to support NATO’s counter-terrorist efforts in the Mediterranean.  Ministers also noted with appreciation that Ukraine was the only partner country that was involved in all current NATO operations and missions.  Ministers further appreciated Ukraine’s readiness to continue to support NATO operational efforts including through its strategic airlift capabilities.

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