Ukraine’s defence and security reforms, which focus on increasing the democratic control of the armed forces, raising the capability of the armed forces, and improving the social guarantees of the personnel, as well as NATO members’ support for the implementation of these reforms are the main topics of the consultations.
NATO and the Ukraine are due to sign a document, which will form the basis for co-operation between Ukraine and the non-governmental organisations of NATO nations in the framework of security sector reforms.
It is expected that news about the collapse of the Ukraine Coalition in Kiev will have some bearing on proceedings.
Estonia has always given its unwavering support to the continuation of Ukraine’s defence reforms and is sharing its experiences of the Euro-Atlantic integration process with Ukraine. Mr. Ligi remarked, “Our support to Ukraine has to continue no matter what, and maybe even increase. Ukraine cannot be left alone”.
Estonia and Ukraine have concluded a co-operation programme until the year 2007, and Estonia has seconded a Defence Policy Adviser to the NATO Liaison Office in Kiev.