BRUSSELS. April 2 (Interfax) - NATO and Ukraine have agreed to step up cooperation and pursue reforms in security to improve Ukraine's potential in ensuring its own security, says a statement passed at a session of the Ukraine-NATO commission in Brussels on Tuesday.
"As a tangible demonstration of Allied commitment to the Distinctive Partnership between NATO and Ukraine, we have agreed on concrete measures to enhance Ukraine's ability to provide for its own security. NATO and Ukraine will intensify cooperation and promote defense reforms through capacity building and capability development programs," the statement says.
"NATO Allies will also reinforce the NATO Liaison Office in Kyiv with additional experts," it said.
"Allies will continue working together with the Ukrainian government, the Verkhovna Rada and civil society to strengthen civilian control over the armed forces and related security sectors," it said.
"Allies support the measures taken by the Ukrainian government to advance reforms and to promote an inclusive political process, based on democratic values, respect for human rights, minorities and the rule of law," it said.
NATO welcomes the signature by Ukraine of the political chapters of an association agreement with the EU on March 21, it said.
"An independent, sovereign and stable Ukraine, firmly committed to democracy and the rule of law, is key to Euro-Atlantic security. Allies firmly support Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. We call on Russia to abide by these principles," the statement says.