Joint Statement

Meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission at the level of Heads of State and Government

1. We, the Heads of State and Government of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and President Yushchenko of Ukraine, met today in Bucharest to discuss the status and prospects of NATO-Ukraine relations and cooperation, including Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations as reflected in its request for a Membership Action Plan (MAP).  We reaffirmed the importance of the NATO-Ukraine relationship.
2. Allies recalled their declaration of yesterday, in which they welcomed Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations for membership in NATO.  They agreed that Ukraine will become a member of NATO.  MAP is the next step for Ukraine on its direct way to membership.  Allies made clear that they support Ukraine’s application for MAP.  Therefore they will now begin a period of intensive engagement with Ukraine at a high political level to address the questions still outstanding pertaining to its MAP application.  Allies have asked NATO Foreign Ministers to make a first assessment of progress at their December 2008 meeting.  Allied Foreign Ministers have the authority to decide on the MAP application of Ukraine.
3. Reiterating our commitment for the NATO-Ukraine Distinctive Partnership that celebrated its tenth anniversary last year, we agreed to further enhance the political dialogue and practical cooperation between Ukraine and the Alliance, which will help advance Ukraine’s democratic transformation, reform goals and fulfilment of its international obligations.  We recalled our conviction that Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity are key factors for ensuring stability in Europe.  We also agreed that NUC Ambassadors would meet more regularly in order to deepen the political dialogue and to enhance the NATO-Ukraine Distinctive Partnership.
4. We reviewed the challenges faced and welcomed the progress achieved in the implementation of the NATO-Ukraine Action Plan and the Intensified Dialogue¹.  Noting the progress achieved by Ukraine in relevant reforms, we underscored the importance of Ukraine’s commitment to continue to implement political, economic, defence and security sector reform.  We look forward to the implementation of the actions contained in the Annual Target Plan 2008.  Allies remain determined to assist those efforts through consultations and practical cooperation.
5. We highly value the substantial contribution of this Partnership to peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area and beyond.  Ukraine is the only Partner that actively supports all NATO-led operations and missions.  We value our joint efforts to promote regional cooperation including Ukraine’s continued contributions to security in its region.  Allied Heads of State and Government welcomed Ukraine’s participation as a non-NATO Contributing Nation to ISAF in Afghanistan, and its readiness to continue its participation in KFOR in Kosovo and NATO Training Mission-Iraq.  Allied Heads of State and Government also welcomed Ukraine’s readiness to work out arrangements for the transit through Ukraine of equipment and supplies for ISAF.  We noted with satisfaction our ongoing naval cooperation in the framework of the Alliance’s Operation Active Endeavour in the Mediterranean Sea.  Allied Heads of State and Government expressed their appreciation for Ukraine’s willingness to contribute to the NATO Response Force.  Through such contributions, Ukraine is demonstrating its commitment to help shoulder our shared security responsibilities.
6. Allied Heads of State and Government welcomed Ukraine’s progress in reform of the defence and security sectors and reiterated their continued support for these efforts.  They encouraged Ukraine to promote further reforms by implementing relevant policies and providing adequate resources.  They commended Ukraine on the adoption of its National Security Strategy and encouraged Ukraine to continue to implement the National Security Sector Review to align Ukraine’s complete security sector more closely with Euro-Atlantic norms and standards.  Allied Heads of State and Government encouraged Ukraine to make use of the full potential of NATO-Ukraine partnership instruments including the NATO-Ukraine Joint Working Group on Defence Reform.
7. We took note of the wide spectrum of NATO-Ukraine joint activities, including Ukraine’s participation in activities of the NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme.  Allies welcomed Ukraine’s commitment to implement the PfP Trust Fund on the destruction of surplus stock of munitions and small arms and light weapons, NATO-supported retraining programmes for released military personnel, and the programme for professional development of civilian personnel employed in security institutions.  We look forward to the implementation of the Air Situation Data Exchange Programme between Ukraine and NATO as a positive sign of enhanced cooperation, improved transparency and support in the fight against terrorism.
8. Finally, Allies welcomed Ukraine’s increasing efforts to inform its people about NATO-Ukraine cooperation and the Alliance.  Underlining the necessity for Ukraine to dedicate adequate resources to this endeavour, Allies reaffirmed their support for Ukraine’s public information efforts throughout the country.

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