On April 4, 2008, President of Ukraine Victor Yushchenko took part in Ukraine-Nato Commission meeting in Bucharest.

In his speech President emphasised that he was of the opinion that in December 2008 Ukraine would be granted MAP during the North Atlantic Council Foreign Ministers meeting  was expected to be held in December, 2008 .

Victor Yushchenko stressed that with its yesterday’s decision the North Atlantic Council gave a clear signal to Ukraineregarding further development of the state’s relations with the Alliance. “We are grateful to the Alliance and its member-states for their support of Euro-Atlantic aspirations of our state”, - he said, pointing out the fact that Bucharest Summit became the first time, when it was clearly stated: Ukraine would join NATO.

In his turn NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, who was opening the Ukraine-Nato Commission meeting, stressed that today the new stage of NATO-Ukraine relations development had started. He also noted that obviously on a political level Ukrainehad to ensure that it would fulfil all the requirements of joining MAP. “We appreciate greatly our cooperation with you and willing to push it forward”, - he said. According to him Ukrainehas already made substantial progress in bringing its security and defense sectors close to  NATO standards.

Press office of President Victor Yushchenko