Transitioning to NATO standards, norms and principles is one of Ukraine’s priorities – Razumkov

Reforming the military and security sector in line with NATO standards is a priority for Ukraine.

The Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine stated this during a meeting with NATO Deputy Secretary-General Mircea Geoana in Brussels, the press service of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine reports.

"Among the priorities is Ukraine's transition to NATO standards, norms, and principles. We've made significant progress in various areas of Euro-Atlantic reforms, including the adoption of important legislation and guidelines in security and defense," Dmytro Razumkov said.

He noted that the laws of Ukraine "On Defense Procurement" and "On Intelligence," and the National Security Strategy of Ukraine, were adopted.

"Ukraine will continue to reform its military and security sphere under NATO standards," the Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada said.

According to him, Ukraine, being recognized as a NATO Partner with Enhanced Opportunities, is an important stage in realizing our country's Euro-Atlantic aspirations. He thanked the allies for this decision.

The Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament stressed that the NATO Membership Action Plan was a logical and non-alternative step for Ukraine on the path to Euro-Atlantic integration.

"We'd like to see a MAP for Ukraine soon and hope to form the necessary consensus among the allies on this issue," he said.

Dmytro Razumkov noted Ukraine welcomed the intention of the Allies to reaffirm the Alliance's "open door" policy at the next NATO Summit.

The Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada also stressed that the joint priority and task of the Alliance and Ukraine was to resume the meetings of the NATO-Ukraine Commission at a high level. He also stressed that the parliamentary dimension remained an important component of the political dialogue with NATO and its allies.

"We're grateful to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, and to the Allies, for agreeing to postpone the next spring session of the NATO PA in Kyiv at the end of May 2022 at the suggestion of Ukraine. I hope the coronavirus won't hinder us," Razumkov said.

According to Dmytro Razumkov, the priority for the Ukrainian Parliament is to strengthen cooperation between Ukraine and NATO, aimed at maintaining security in the Euro-Atlantic area.

"Ukraine highly appreciates the unwavering solidarity of allies with our country and NATO's decisive position on Russia's ongoing aggression in Crimea and Donbas," Dmytro Razumkov said.

The Speaker thanked the Allies for their support of domestic reforms in Ukraine, and for their interest in and support for Ukraine's initiative to establish a "Crimean Platform," the ultimate goal of which is the de-occupation of Crimea.