On Thursday, February 25, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg discussed topical issues related to the implementation of Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic course and the possibility of deepening practical cooperation with the Alliance, as was reported by the press-service of the Office of the President of Ukraine.
According to Zelensky, Ukraine’s immediate goal is a MAP (membership action plan), therefore “Ukraine is reinforcing its army by adhering to Alliance’s standards, sharing practical experience, developing strategic partnership and friendship.”
"I am pleased to hear that NATO's door is open for Ukraine. I am grateful that you personally and the NATO members support us in NATO membership aspirations. Our immediate goal is MAP. We are serious about the reforms, as they are first of all enhancing our defence sector,” Volodymyr Zelensky said.
The President stressed the importance of cooperation with NATO to maintain security in the Black Sea. He spoke in favour of expanding the Alliance's activities in the Black Sea region and noted that Ukraine is interested in increasing the presence of NATO forces in the Black Sea.
The Secretary-General of the Alliance noted that the Organization will make efforts to increase its presence in the Black Sea, and has already begun to do so. He stressed that both NATO and Allies should increase their assistance in training the Armed Forces of Ukraine on a bilateral basis.
Jens Stoltenberg also noted that the draft law on reforming the Security Service of Ukraine, which is currently considered by the parliament, will help accelerate the progress on the Euro-Atlantic path.