Ukraine-NATO Commission at the level of Foreign Ministers condemns illegal actions of Russia against Ukraine

Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Deshytsia took part in a meeting of Ukraine-NATO Commission at the level of Foreign Ministers held at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, chaired by NATO Secretary General, Anders Fogh Rasmussen on April 1.

During the meeting a comprehensive discussion of political and security situation in Ukraine on the background of aggression on the part of the Russian Federation and ways of intensifying cooperation between Ukraine and the NATO to support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country was continued as well as restoring capability and capacity of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has provided detailed information about the actions of Ukrainian authorities in this difficult time for our country. NATO Foreign Ministers were informed about an ambitious plan of budget reform submitted by the Prime Minister of Ukraine Arseniy Yatsenyuk. It was also confirmed readiness to hold free, fair and democratic presidential elections in Ukraine, scheduled on May 25, 2014.

Andrii Deshytsia expressed gratitude to NATO and its Member States, Secretary General for consistent and strong support to Ukraine, which was shown the last time on March 27 this year, when all NATO Member States unanimously were the co-authors of UN General Assembly Resolution On territorial integrity Ukraine.

The participants condemned the illegal military invasion of Russia to Ukraine and violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country by Russia. They reiterated their position on non-recognition of illegitimate and illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia. Appreciation was given to the courage, discipline and restraint of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Ukraine-NATO Commission also called on Russia to take steps to de-escalate the situation and the Commission supported the sending the OSCE observer mission to Ukraine.

In addition, the NATO-Ukraine Commission discussed the schedule of intensive political dialogue and active practical cooperation in the nearest future in order to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country, strengthening joint action in the area of readiness to emergencies and critical infrastructure protection of our country, the restoration of national defense, combat readiness and logistics of the Armed Forces, strengthening the capacity of Ukrainian scientific sector in critical areas for today.

Following discussion it was agreed a list of specific activities within the Ukraine-NATO Commission at the close, medium and long term to enhance the military, defense and practical cooperation to further support Ukraine. It was a practical demonstration of the commitment of allies to distinctive partnership with Ukraine.

By the results of the meeting it was adopted a declaration of Ukraine-NATO Commission at the level of Foreign Ministers.