During his working visit to Brussels, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Leonid Kozhara met with NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen.

A wide range of issues on the NATO-Ukraine agenda, as well as current international issues, in particular in the context of Ukraine's chairmanship in the OSCE, was discussed.

The discussion focused on the issues of constructive partnership between Ukraine and NATO. The two sides reiterated mutual interest in enhancing bilateral political dialogue at all levels, including in the framework of NATO-Ukraine Commission, and further deepening practical cooperation in the defense and military sectors.

NATO Secretary General expressed his appreciation for Ukraine’s contribution to the maintenance of international peace and security and emphasized that Ukraine is the only NATO partner country participating in all operations and missions led by the Alliance. Mr. Kozhara pointed out the effectiveness of NATO’s constructive assistance in rendering the defense sector reform in Ukraine, particularly in the areas of standardization and military education.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister emphasized the importance of increasing cooperation with NATO in non-military areas, particularly in the implementation of joint projects under the Science for Peace Programme as well as within the trust funds.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine informed the interlocutor of the state of relations between Ukraine and the EU in the context of preparation for the signing of the Association Agreement. A.Rasmussen confirmed NATO’s readiness to continue to support Ukraine's efforts in carrying out domestic reforms, in particular in the framework of the annual national programmes of NATO-Ukraine cooperation.

During the meeting special attention was paid to the current developments in the OSCE area in the context of Ukraine's chairmanship in this Organization in 2013.