Second day of NAC meeting in Brussels concentrates on Ukraine and stability beyond borders of Alliance

Brussels, Belgium (15 June 2016) -- During the second day of the North Atlantic Council's meeting at the level of Defence Ministers in Brussels, a meeting of the NATO - Ukraine Commission (NUC) was held, which was attended by Defence Minister of Ukraine Stepan Poltorak. The ministers exchanged views on the current situation in that country, discuss forms of assistance and support for Ukraine, and emphasised the importance of honouring the Minsk Agreement.

NATO defence ministers discussed projecting stability beyond borders of the Alliance. They confirmed willingness to enhance cooperation with partners, as a stable environment guarantees stability and security of the Alliance. In that respect, they addresses the mechanisms to help to build Iraq's defence capacities and support global coalition to combat terrorism.

The meeting also discussed deepening cooperation with the EU in the context of the EU operation to prevent human trafficking in the Mediterranean (EUNAVFORMED SOPHIA).

Minister of Defence of Montenegro Milica Pejanović-Đurišić said that NATO invitation is a confirmation of efficiency of stability projection policy in the Western Balkans. She stressed that Montenegro will continue to support the Afghan security forces, and to seek modalities for a possible new contribution to the overall efforts of NATO in the Mediterranean.