On Tuesday, 24 September, in New York City (USA), the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine and Minister of Justice of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna met with the Acting U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs John Bass and Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O'Brien.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the transformations that are paving the way for Ukraine's accession to the European Union and NATO. Representatives of the U.S. Department of State commended the achievements in the field of European integration, in particular, the successful holding of the second EU-Ukraine bilateral session in Brussels, dedicated to the negotiating chapter 23 "Judiciary and Fundamental Rights". During the session, the Ukrainian delegation presented reports on the Judiciary, Anti-Corruption Policy and Fundamental Rights.

Olha Stefanishyna assured that adherence to the rule of law and strengthening anti-corruption policy in Ukraine remain the Government's top priorities, and briefed her American colleagues on the next steps the country would take on its path to EU membership.

She also stressed the importance of constant communication on Ukraine's progress with partners to form an objective and comprehensive vision of the historical transformations that are taking place in the context of a full-scale war.

Moreover, the parties focused on the importance of maintaining accountability and transparency in public procurement. Olha Stefanishyna emphasised that this issue remained a priority for Ukraine, in particular as part of the work on updating the relevant legislation and ensuring its effective implementation.

The interlocutors paid special attention to reforms in Ukraine's security and defence sector, including the implementation of NATO standards and principles.

"We have a close expert dialogue with NATO on transformations that will strengthen our defence capabilities and interoperability with the Alliance. This dialogue, namely the strategic documents agreed with NATO, is the framework that determines Ukraine's steps and decisions," the Deputy Prime Minister stressed.

Olha Stefanishyna stressed that after the full-scale russian invasion, Ukrainian society had demonstrated exceptional unity and mobilisation of efforts to withstand, preserve the country and fight for its future. In these circumstances, there are no steps or decisions that Ukraine cannot take on its way to its strategic goal of EU and NATO membership.