SBU reforming in line with EU standards, Yakymenko says

KYIV, September 27 /Ukrinform/. The reform of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) uses the experience of the European Union, SBU chief Oleksandr Yakymenko said at an international conference of chiefs of EU intelligence services and law enforcement agencies in Yalta.

"We study the advanced model of the operation of the security sector in EU countries in order to harmonize the activities of the Ukrainian secret service to European standards. This experience is actively used in the process of reforming the SBU," the SBU press office quoted Yakymenko as saying.

The SBU chief noted that the secret service is actively involved in fulfilling the tasks of the EU-Ukraine Association agenda.

In particular, SBU professionals developed a national counter-terrorism concept, focusing on strengthening cooperation with foreign intelligence services as a key in countering new challenges and threats. This document is approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.

The conference participants discussed issues related to combating international terrorism and religious extremism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, combating cyber crime and organized crime.

Also, the participants stressed the need to continue the ongoing consultations between the Security Service of Ukraine and representatives of secret services of EU countries for a joint response to modern transnational threats.

As Ukrinform learned from the SBU press office, the intelligence agency is now partnered with 111 secret services and law enforcement agencies of 59 countries on the basis of international law, relevant treaties and agreements.

The conference was attended by representatives of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC), Security Service of Ukraine, delegations of intelligence services and law enforcement agencies of EU member states.

АМ