NATO foreign ministers have pledged to step up cooperation with Ukraine on a range of security issues, committing to increase political and practical support. NATO assured that it will continue to support Ukraine despite the Israel-Hamas conflict for “as long as necessary”, according to a statement following a meeting between NATO foreign ministers and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Brussels on Wednesday, the 29th of November, reports Politico.
Ahead of the first NATO-Ukraine Foreign Ministers’ Council meeting, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba highlighted the country’s progress in improving interoperability with NATO, underlining achievements in technical capabilities, management practices and military principles. “We are becoming a de facto NATO army,” said Kuleba.
According to Reuters, Ukraine’s foreign minister has called on the West to increase arms production. He has stressed the need for a common Euro-Atlantic defence industrial zone to strengthen the security of Ukraine and NATO countries.
NATO and Ukraine are already cooperating on various issues, including interoperability, energy security, innovation, cyber security and resilience, the NATO statement said, adding that developments in these areas will continue.
The Alliance aims to help rebuild Ukraine’s security and defence sector, supporting the country’s long-term defence.
A roadmap for Ukraine’s transition towards full interoperability with NATO is being developed, underlining the importance of interoperable systems as a precondition for Ukraine’s eventual NATO membership, according to Politico said the statement.
According to Reuters, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said after the meeting that there is “no fatigue” among NATO allies when it comes to assistance to Ukraine and that all allies are unanimous on the need to continue supporting Ukraine.
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