President Volodymyr Zelensky is seated at the table between the Turkish and British delegations, with Ukraine listed in alphabetical order.
The first meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Council began in Vilnius at the level of heads of state and government of the NATO member states. This was reported by Interfax-Ukraine on Wednesday, July 12.
Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg congratulated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the event.
“Welcome to this first meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Council. This is truly a historic moment – Allies and Ukraine sit side by side as equals to discuss our shared vision of Euro-Atlantic security. It is a big part for me to welcome our dear friend, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, to the meeting. Vladimir, welcome, it’s good that you are with us,” Stoltenberg said to the applause of those present.
The NATO Secretary General stressed that the allies should increase support for Ukraine to help it “liberate the lands and deter the coming Russian aggression.”
“At this summit, we reaffirmed that Ukraine will be a member of the Alliance. And we have made decisions that will bring Ukraine closer to NATO. Today we meet as equals and I look forward to the day when we meet as allies,” he said.
At a large round table, Zelensky sits between Turkey and the UK – Ukraine is represented in alphabetical order.
Recall that yesterday NATO members agreed to remove the MAP on Ukraine’s path to the Alliance. A multi-year program of assistance to Ukraine was also approved and the Ukraine-NATO Council was created. This council replaced the Ukraine-NATO Commission.
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