Deputy Foreign Minister - Chief of Staff Vadym Prystaiko paid a visit to the NATO Headquarters on 22-23 September 2016.

During the visit, Deputy Minister took part in the meeting of NATO-Ukraine Commission at the ambassadorial level. The issues of deepening cooperation between Ukraine and NATO on the results of the Warsaw Summit (July 2016), the security situation in the east of Ukraine and the development of Minsk and Normandy processes were on the meeting's agenda.

As a result of the discussion on strengthening of practical mutually beneficial cooperation between Ukraine and NATO allies have assured that their help to our country will be increased in the framework of approved at the Warsaw Summit a Comprehensive Assistant Package for Ukraine aimed at strengthening of Ukraine's defense and reforming of the national defense and security sector in accordance with Alliance's standards.

Representatives of NATO also confirmed the immutability of their positions on supporting of the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine and non-recognition of the annexation of Crimea, emphasizing direct responsibility of Russia's military aggression in the eastern regions of the country. In this context, it was noted the need to extend sanctions against Russia to fully implement its obligations under the Minsk agreements. The allies expressed full understanding of the need to ensure security conditions for early political settlement of the situation in Donbass.

During the visit to the NATO Headquarters V.Prystaiko held bilateral meetings with the NATO Deputy Secretary General A.Vershbow, Special Representative of the NATO Secretary General D.Appaturai, Deputy Assistant NATO Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges Dr. J.Shea and on behalf of the Head of NSDC of Ukraine awarded the Assistant NATO Secretary General for Defence Investment P.Auroy with honorary award.