Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov attends the forum "Ukraine 2024" in Kyiv, Ukraine, Feb 25, 2024. (PHOTO / AP)
KYIV - Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov signed a plan for the implementation of the adapted Annual National Program of Cooperation with NATO for 2024, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry reported Friday.
Aiming at reforming Ukraine's security and defense sector, the Ukrainian defense ministry mapped out 50 steps to achieve 17 goals in its plan.
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The plan includes creating a joint NATO-Ukraine center for analysis, training and education, developing national documents based on NATO standards and completing the transformation of its command and control system in accordance with NATO principles and standards.
The Ukrainian parliament earlier declared rapprochement with NATO as one of the key priorities for Ukraine this year.
The document stipulates that the Netherlands will provide 2 billion euros (about $2.17 billion) in military aid to Ukraine in 2024, and will continue its support in the future
NATO recognized Ukraine as its Enhanced Opportunities Partner in 2020. In September 2023, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the alliance is not ready to accept Ukraine as a member while its conflict with Russia is in an active stage.
Ukraine, Netherlands sign deal
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte signed an agreement on security cooperation between the two countries, the presidential press service reported Friday.
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The 10-year deal, which is based on the Group of Seven (G7) joint declaration of support for Ukraine, was inked in the city of Kharkiv in eastern Ukraine.
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The document stipulates that the Netherlands will provide 2 billion euros (about $2.17 billion) in military aid to Ukraine in 2024, and will continue its support in the future.
Ukrainian 152 mm self-propelled howitzer Dana fires at the Russian positions in Donetsk region, Ukraine, March 1, 2024. (PHOTO / AP)
Under the deal, the Netherlands undertook a commitment to provide Ukraine with modern military equipment, including air defense means, artillery and armored vehicles.
Besides, the Netherlands will support Ukraine's air forces as well as maritime and long-range capabilities.
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The Netherlands also reaffirmed its commitment to support Ukraine's aspirations to join the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Last year, the Netherlands provided 1.6 billion euros (about $1.73 billion) in military support for Ukraine.
