While at NATO Headquarters to attend a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission in Defence Ministers session and a meeting of Defence Ministers of ISAF Contributing Nations, First Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine Oleksandr Oliinyk met with NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen.

During the meeting, the sides discussed prospects of NATO-Ukraine cooperation in defence sector. NATO Chief reiterated Alliance's readiness to continue the development of a distinctive partnership with Ukraine in the framework of existing mechanisms as well as to further provide comprehensive assistance in reforming our country’s defence sector.

Against the background of recent developments in Ukraine, which clearly draw NATO’s attention, the parties also discussed current political processes in our country. Oleksandr Oliinyk informed Secretary General on the steps taken in Ukraine recently to ensure political, economic and social stability in the country and to prevent separatist manifestations.

NATO side reaffirmed its commitment to the Charter on a Distinctive Partnership with Ukraine, in particular as regards the Alliance’s support for democratic development, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, as well as urged the Ukrainian authorities to continue efforts to stabilize the political situation in the country.