Opening statement

by NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer
at the informal Defence meeting of the
NATO-Ukraine Commission

Minister Yekhanurov, Ministers, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to this informal meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission.

In December, reaffirming the Bucharest decisions of NATO Heads of State and Government, NATO Foreign Ministers decided to increase support to Ukraine's reform processes in order to help its progress towards membership in the Alliance.

It is against the background of this decision that our meeting is taking place.

We have today a timely opportunity to review Ukraine’s defence and security sector reform efforts and consider ways in which the Alliance can continue to support its preparations for NATO membership.

We will also be able to reflect on the defence and security aspects of the first Annual National Programme that is being developed by Ukraine.

In addition, we will also review Ukraine’s support to NATO’s operations.

Before I invite Mr Yekhanurov to deliver his opening remarks I would like to stress that NATO remains ready to assist Ukraine in undertaking comprehensive reforms in its defence and security structures.  We are determined to continue to develop this strategic partnership.  Let me now invite Minister Yekhanurov to deliver his opening remarks.