On the invitation of the Chief of the Ukrainian forces, Col. Gen. Volodymyr Zaman, Gen. Bartels and the NATO delegation were invited for briefings on Ukraine’s view on the country’s defence reforms and the current status and perspectives for cooperation between the Ukraine Armed Forces and NATO. This was followed by a meeting with the Minister of Defence, Mr. Dmytro Salamatin and his staff. Gen. Bartels expressed his gratitude towards Ukraine, soon to be the only non-NATO country to contribute to all NATO-led operations.
“The Ukraine decision to contribute with naval support to NATO-led Operation Ocean Shield is a valuable contribution not only to the operation but on the overall NATO-Ukraine forces cooperation and interoperability,” Gen. Bartels said.
Later, he held talks with Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. A. Olefirov focused on the development of the post 2014 plan for Afghanistan and Ukraine’s possible role in its execution. .
Following the wreath-laying ceremony at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Kyiv's Park of Glory, the NATO delegation met with Mr. V. Sivkovich, Dep Chairman of the National Security and Defence Council and Anatoly Gritsenko, Chairman of the National Security and Defence Committee of the Ukraine Parliament.
Gen. Bartels concluded his visit with a lecture on NATO operations at the National Defence University of Ukraine engaging with a large audience of senior and junior officers, military students and faculty staff. In his address the Military Committee Chairman underlined the need for NATO to work with partners and the importance of developing mutual understanding.
