12:38 12.07.2018

Ukraine has achieved success in reforms, but it should keep up momentum to get closer to NATO – Stoltenberg

2 min read
Ukraine has achieved success in reforms, but it should keep up momentum to get closer to NATO – Stoltenberg

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has called on Ukraine not to slow down the pace of reforms, as it will bring the country closer to joining the alliance.

Stoltenberg said this at a press point with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko in Brussels on Thursday.

He recalled that Kyiv had proclaimed its long-term goal of joining the alliance.

"The focus now is on reforms. You are making important progress. The adoption of a new law on national security is a welcome step. The law is key to establish civilian control and democratic oversight over the armed forces and the security services. The implementation of the law is now necessary so that this reform can take effect. So I encourage you to keep up the momentum. This will bring Ukraine closer to NATO," Stoltenberg said.

He recalled that NATO and allies continue to support the reform process by providing advice, training and equipment.

"The Comprehensive Assistance Package of political and practical measures is also part of this support. And it includes expert advisers in Kyiv. And projects in areas like cyber defense, medical rehabilitation and logistics," Stoltenberg said, thanking Poroshenko for Ukraine's contributions to NATO.

"We deeply appreciate Ukraine's contributions to NATO. From Kosovo to Afghanistan. And in the NATO Response Force. Over twenty years of NATO-Ukraine distinctive partnership has contributed to Euro-Atlantic security. And I want to thank you personally for your commitment to deepening these ties between Ukraine and the Alliance," he said.

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