21 Sept. 2004

Background NATO-Ukraine relations NATOs Highest Military Authority meets in Ukraine, 21 September 2004 Key links NATO Information and Documentation Centre in Kyiv NATO Liaison Office in Kyiv Publications June 2004 - NATO NATO-Ukraine: a distinctive partnership (.PDF/768 Kb) NATO’s Military Committee meeting in Ukraine: 21 September 2004 The Military Committee in Permanent Session with Ukraine met in Kiev for the first time on 21 September 2004. This successful event is a firm indication of the growing partnership between Ukraine and the North Atlantic Alliance. Discussions focused on military and defence-related issues. Members of the Committee noted the Interim Report on the progress made by Ukraine in implementing the NATO-Ukraine Military Work Plan for 2004 and proposals for the 2005 Work Plan. The final document is expected to be approved at the November 2004 meeting of the Military Committee with Ukraine in Chiefs of Staff Session at NATO HQ. Following the official meeting, General Harald Kujat, Chairman of NATO’s Military Committee gave a press conference, which covered a broad variety of issues, and notably Ukraine defence reform plans. General Kujat underlined the importance of achieving further progress in this domain, and told the Press that most NATO nations had undergone this painful but inevitable process in the past. He pointed out that defence reform is not a task for the Ministry of Defence alone, but of national concern. Improved social security for retiring servicemen would be an important factor in avoiding social tensions. He reiterated NATO’s commitment to help Ukraine fulfil this task. General Kujat went on to emphasise the importance of interoperability between Ukrainian and NATO forces, which he said had grown considerably over the past year, but which could still see improvement. Improved interoperability is a key factor for Ukraine’s participation in NATO-led and other multinational operations. Running hand-in-glove with interoperability is the need to improve foreign language skills, compatibility of military equipment and armaments systems, as well as the level of professional training.