Priorities for U.S.-Ukraine Cooperation (Road Map)
As important friends and strategic partners, the United States and Ukraine cooperate closely across a broad spectrum of mutual concerns. This cooperation between our two democracies is based on shared values and shared interests including expanding economic freedom and democracy; protecting security; strengthening the rule of law; supporting innovation and technological advances; and promoting public health. We intend to deepen this partnership to the benefit of both nations. This statement of priorities constitutes a political arrangement reflecting the participants’ intentions with regard to the matters it addresses. This list of priorities is not exhaustive.
Deepening Ukraine's integration in European, Euro-Atlantic and global institutions
Ukraine will pursue enhanced cooperation with the North Atlantic Alliance and undertake a concerted NATO information campaign.
The United States will continue to support Ukraine's NATO membership aspirations.
Ukraine will continue to provide strong support for international peacekeeping operations, particularly assistance for UNAMID operations in Darfur.
Strengthening the rule of law in Ukraine, promoting reform of the legal system, law enforcement and security structures, as well as accelerating efforts to combat corruption and trafficking in persons
Ukraine will pursue judicial reform legislation and implement the anti-corruption reforms supported by the MCC Threshold Program; the United States will offer other assistance programs that promote the rule of law.
Ukraine will consider measures to ensure that punishments resulting from prosecution of convicted traffickers are sufficiently stringent to deter human trafficking and document fraud.
The United States will provide Ukraine with technical assistance and support in organizing trainings for Ukrainian experts and judges in combating human trafficking and strengthening witness protection.
Ukraine will undertake additional steps to improve victims’ protection and assistance programs.
Improving Ukraine's investment climate and promoting closer economic and commercial cooperation
Ukraine will pursue expedited Rada ratification of the WTO accession protocol. The United States and Ukraine look forward to implementing our bilateral Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, including holding annual consultations as mandated by the agreement.
То facilitate increased trade and investment, Ukraine will implement streamlined registration, licensing, and customs procedures, clarify property rights, and improve tax administration. Ukraine and the United States will work together to resolve outstanding business issues.
Building Ukrainian energy security, energy efficiency, diversification of sources and transparency
Ukraine and the United States agree to intensify their dialogue on energy issues, including through a Bilateral Energy Security Working Group. We will also explore the creation of a trilateral dialogue on energy involving Ukraine, the United States and the European Union.
Ukraine will complete work on a contract for alternate nuclear fuel supply and begin construction of a central spent nuclear fuel storage facility.
The United States, along with other donors, will provide assistance through a joint task force with the Government of Ukraine on modernization of municipal heating systems to enhance energy efficiency and reduce gas import dependence.
Enhancing efforts to promote nonproliferation, arms control and disarmament goals
Ukraine and the United States will work together to build capacity within the framework of the G8 Global Partnership and the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism.
Ukraine and the United States will continue Biological Threat Reduction Cooperation by enhancing bio-security and improving disease-surveillance systems.
Ukraine and the United States will cooperate to successfully complete the destruction of excess weapons and munitions in accordance with the NATO/PfP Trust Fund project.
The United States and Ukraine will continue activities in the area of environmentally responsible storage and elimination of SS-24 solid rocket motors in a technically and financially sound manner. The U.S. share of the costs is set forth in Secretary of Defense Gates’ letter to Deputy Prime Minister Kliuyev, dated April 3, 2007.
Both countries intend to cooperate to consolidate and subsequently downblend all highly enriched uranium in Ukraine for domestic use.
Continuing Ukraine's defense and military transformation
Ukraine will conduct a Strategic Defense Review with U.S. assistance.
The United States will assist and advise Ukraine in purchasing and fielding/deploying communications equipment for Ukrainian defense forces.
Ukraine will pursue necessary legislative and regulatory reforms to transform human resource management and training of the military with the projected goal of more effective cooperation with NATO forces. The United States will provide technical assistance for this endeavor.
Exploring new areas for cooperation in high-technology, space and missile defense
Ukraine and the United States will explore avenues for possible technical cooperation in ballistic missile defense.
Ukraine and the United States will implement the Framework Agreement for Space Cooperation.
Ukraine and the United States will renew discussions aimed at completing a Research, Development, Testing and Evaluation Agreement.
Continuing to work together toward resolution of the Transnistria and other regional conflicts and to encourage the promotion of democracy in Belarus
Ukraine and the United States renew their commitment to negotiating a resolution to the Transnistria conflict through the 5+2 talks in compliance with the implementation of the plan “To the Resolution through Democracy” developed on the basis of the initiative of the President of Ukraine.
We agree to support vigorously the EU Border Assistance Mission and the unified customs regime at the Ukraine-Moldova border.
Ukraine and the United States are united in the opinion that Kosovo's declaration of independence does not serve as a precedent.
Ukraine and the United States will work toward the peaceful resolution of protracted conflicts in the region within the framework of the international organizations, in particular the UN and the OSCE.
Developing regional organizations
The leadership role of Ukraine in GUAM will be further strengthened, including enhancing its role as host of the GUAM Secretariat in Kyiv.
Enhancing bilateral cooperation through exchanges and visits
Ukraine and the United States agree to pursue a vigorous program of high-level visits between our two capitals. Both sides will use such visits to enhance and energize work on key priorities.
Ukraine and the United States agree to promote people-to-people contacts and increase focus on cultural, educational and professional exchange programs.
Ukraine and the United States will further their dialogue through bilateral cooperation mechanisms, especially the Bilateral Coordination Group and the Bilateral Working Group on Nonproliferation and Export Control.
Remembering the 1932-33 Holodomor (Great Famine) in Ukraine
Ukraine and the United States will closely cooperate to promote remembrance and increase public awareness of the 1932-33 man-made Great Famine (Holodomor) in Ukraine including within the framework of the international organizations.
Combating HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis
Ukraine and the United States will further their cooperation in order to fight HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis. Ukraine will continue scaling up its efforts in combating HIV/AIDS, including prevention, detection and treatment, to meet Global Fund commitments.
Ukraine will strengthen its Country Coordination Mechanism on combating AIDS, and undertake efforts to introduce best practices for detecting, preventing and treating ТВ and HIV.
Signed at Washington, DC and Kyiv of April 1, 2008
For the United States of America: For Ukraine:
_____________________________ ______________________________
Daniel Fried Volodymyr Khandogiy
Assistant Secretary of State First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
