A regular meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Joint Working Group on Defence Reform (JWGDR) took place at NATO Headquarters. The delegation of Ukraine was headed by Deputy Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Chairman of the Ukrainian part of the JWGDR, Col. General Mykhailo Koval.
The event was chaired by NATO Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy, Ambassador Thrasyvoulos Terry Stamatopulos.
During the meeting, the head of the Ukrainian delegation briefed on the security situation in Ukraine, progress in reforming the national security and defence sector and strengthening Ukraine's defence capabilities, current results of Ukraine's cooperation with NATO and main areas of activity in the framework of the JWGDR in 2015.
Special attention was paid to the further development of relations between Ukraine and NATO. The Ukrainian side emphasized that Ukraine's accession to NATO would only be possible after the successful implementation of systemic reforms and following the results of the referendum to be held in compliance with the national legislation.
A representative of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine informed the participants about the current progress in conducting the Comprehensive Review of the Security and Defence Sector of Ukraine.
Representatives of NATO Member States emphasized the key role of the JWGDR for Ukraine's practical cooperation with the Alliance. They also underlaned the importance of strengthening the defense potential of Ukraine and identified areas of further cooperation.