Head of NATO Representation to Ukraine comments on United Efforts 2020 exercise

Head of the NATO Representation to Ukraine Alexander Vinnikov said this at a briefing on the establishment of cooperation with NATO, the Euro-Atlantic integration of the state, as well as the results of military exercises in Kherson region, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

“I came here to take part in the United Efforts-2020 strategic exercises. I had the opportunity yesterday to convey congratulations from NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and Defense Minister Andrii Taran. I noted that it is very important that Ukraine is conducting such major exercises in order to improve compatibility with the Alliance forces. And it is also very important that Ukraine has shown how it is implementing new practices ... which were developed with the help and support of the Alliance and are based on NATO standards and principles," Vinnikov noted.

He recalled that the North Atlantic Council had recognised Ukraine as an Enhanced Opportunities Partner. Thanks to this status, Ukraine has joined the "exceptional club of nations" that cooperate and contribute their efforts to support NATO operations, Vinnikov said.

As reported, on June 12, the North Atlantic Council recognized Ukraine as an Enhanced Opportunities Partner. This status is part of NATO’s Partnership Interoperability Initiative, which aims to maintain and deepen cooperation between Allies and partners that have made significant contributions to NATO-led operations and missions.

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