Turchynov, Stoltenberg discuss how to counter Russian aggression
He said this at a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Thursday, December 14, the NSDC's press service reported.
"During the talks, the sides discussed the issue of countering Russian aggression in eastern Ukraine and hybrid threats that our country is now facing," the statement reads.
According to Turchynov, compared with 2014, today Ukraine has a qualitatively new army that can defend the country.
"Given the challenges facing the state today, a significant part of the state budget funds was directed for Ukraine's defense and security. Total spending on security and defense in 2017 exceeded 5% of GDP," he said, adding that a similar situation is observed with the budget for 2018.
In addition, the sides discussed the reform of the Ukrainian security and defense sector, the transition to NATO standards and possible difficulties on this path.
Turchynov thanked Stoltenberg for his recent statement at the Halifax International Security Forum on November 17 that NATO's doors are open to Ukraine and Georgia, noting that Ukraine, to move towards the alliance, "is now focused on reforms, on modernizing defense institutions, fighting corruption, and strengthening democratic institutions."
Turchynov stressed that a new significant stage of interaction between Ukraine and NATO could become the country's joining the Enhanced Opportunities Program.
"According to the military experts from partner countries, Ukraine meets all the criteria the prospective Program participant should meet," he said.
He praised the solidarity and unity of NATO member states in restoring Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Turchynov also stated that Ukraine was interested in holding a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission at the highest level during the NATO summit in Brussels in July 2018.
The NATO secretary general, in turn, said that Ukraine was important to Europe's security as a whole. "The alliance member states are ready to further help your country on the way to its civilizational choice," he said.
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