Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze took part in the opening of the 95th seminar «Security and stability in Ukraine and in the Black Sea region» of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly within the framework of the Rose-Roth Initiative and in cooperation with the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.

The Vice Prime Minister praised the decision of the Alliance representatives to hold the Rose-Roth seminar for the second consecutive time in Ukraine and congratulated the participants on the 20^th anniversary of the Charter on a Distinctive Partnership between NATO and Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of further close cooperation. «We need jointly to change the fundamental format of relations with NATO - the Charter on a Distinctive Partnership needs to be adapted to the current security realities. To this end, we need to establish a deeper partnership between NATO and Ukraine with a clear membership perspective that will contribute to stability in Ukraine, in Eastern Europe, in the Black Sea region and in the transatlantic region», highlighted Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze.

The Vice Prime Minister stressed that Ukraine needs unwavering and consolidated support from the North Atlantic Alliance partners in the context of countering aggression of the Russian Federation. «Ukraine's security challenges are widely known. These are military, trade and transit aggressions of Russia. The annexation of Crimea, terrorist attacks, cyber terrorism and propaganda. Therewith, these are threats not only for Ukraine, but also for the whole world. The main target of Russia - is controlled chaos in the international arena», said Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze

At the same time, she is assured that at the moment Ukraine is not only the recipient of international assistance but also becomes an active donor of security in Europe and in the world: «We do not want to be in the gray zone. Ukraine is not a buffer or a bridge, but an Eastern European border of NATO. The outpost».

Ivanna Klimpush-Tsintsadze put a special emphasis to the fact that such events as well as the confidence of the Alliance contribute to the effective functional integration of Ukraine within the NATO. The preparation for membership is a core objective for the Government. The essential task of the domestic reforms is to ensure conformity with the criteria laid down in the relevant NATO instruments.

The Vice Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of the staunchest support and solidarity on the part of the Alliance partners in countering Kremlin’s aggression. «Ukraine is asking for lethal defensive weapons in order to protect land, people and values. This will allow us to preserve the lives of ordinary citizens and defenders of Ukraine», said Ivanna Klimpush-Tsintsadze.

Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Andrii Parubii stressed the growing support of the population for integration with NATO: «If 3-4 years ago, due to the Russian propaganda machine, there were 17-18% of adherents of the accession, now 50%».

In his turn, President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Paolo Alli commended the remarkable progress of Ukraine in the process of implementation of reforms as well as emphasized the importance of the fruitful relations between Ukraine and the Alliance. «It is of paramount importance that Ukraine begins to feel the results of its reforms», underscored Paolo Alli.

Till July 5 Ukraine will be hosting the 95th seminar in the framework of the Rose-Roth initiative. On July 3, a solemn meeting dedicated to the 20^th anniversary of the Charter on a Distinctive Partnership between NATO and Ukraine is to take place at the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.