NATO Secretary General remarks at the Ukraine-NATO Interparliamentary Council (UNIC), 23 JAN 2023

Remarks by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the Ukraine-NATO Interparliamentary Council (UNIC), accepting the Honorary Award of the Verkovna Rada, 23 January 2023.

Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg accepted the Honorary Award of the Verkhovna Rada, the unicameral Parliament of Ukraine, in a ceremony at NATO Headquarters on Monday 23 January 2023. The Honorary Award is the highest award given by the Verkhovna Rada for “significant contributions to any sphere of life, outstanding socio-political activities, services to the Ukrainian people in promoting and strengthening Ukraine as a democratic, social, legal state”.

In his acceptance remarks, Mr Stoltenberg said that NATO has supported Ukraine since it regained its independence, and that the Alliance has stepped up more than ever since Russia launched its full-fledged war of aggression almost one year ago. He welcomed that NATO Allies are providing unprecedented military, financial and humanitarian aid to support Ukraine’s right to self-defence, as enshrined in the UN Charter, saying that NATO is committed to supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes. He further welcomed Allies’ announcements of more advanced heavy weaponry made at the meeting of the US-led Ukraine Defence Contact Group in Ramstein last week.

“I am honoured to accept this award in recognition of NATO’s long-standing support for Ukraine,” he said, “but the real recognition should go to you. The bravery and determination of the Ukrainian people, government, the Rada and armed forces has inspired us all. As you heroically defend your freedom and democracy – our shared values”.

The award was presented by Oleksandr Korniyenko, co-chair of the Ukraine-NATO Interparliamentary Council and head of the Ukrainian delegation at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.

🗣 | NATO Secretary General:

Honorable members of the Verkhovna Rada,

Thank you so much, it is really a great honour to receive this honorary award from the Rada and welcome to all of you to the NATO Headquarters.

NATO has supported Ukraine since you regained your independence.
We stepped up our support after Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea.
And we are doing more than ever since Russia launched a full-fledged invasion of aggression against Ukraine almost a year ago.

NATO Allies are providing unprecedented military, financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. To support Ukraine’s right to self-defence, a right that is enshrined in the UN Charter.

And NATO is committed to supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes.

I welcome Allies’ announcements of more advanced heavy and weaponry at the meeting of the US-led Ukraine Defence Contact Group in Ramstein last week.

Because to achieve peace tomorrow,
Ukraine urgently needs more weapons today.

NATO is also stepping up our support through the comprehensive assistance package, including fuel, winter clothing and medical supplies.

And we help Ukraine rebuild and recover over the longer term.
By supporting the transition from Soviet-era to modern NATO equipment and standards.
And helping to further strengthen your defence and security institutions.
All of this demonstrates our significant long-term support for Ukraine.

I have had the honour of addressing the Verkhovna Rada twice as Secretary General of NATO.

And my message to you then, as it is now, is clear.
NATO stands by Ukraine.
And we stand by your right to choose your own path.
As a sovereign independent nation within your internationally recognised borders.

I am honoured to accept this award in recognition of NATO’s long-standing support for Ukraine.

But the real recognition should go to you.
The bravery and determination of the Ukrainian people, government, the Rada and armed forces has inspired us all.
As you heroically defend freedom and democracy – our shared values.

So thank you.
And I wish you strength and success. Thank you so much.

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

Connect with NATO online:

#NATO #OTAN #Ukraine

[thattubesound]

Jens Stoltenberg is the real deal. He is well-spoken, a great leader, and displays a humility that is all too rare in the world. I admire him greatly. Slava Ukraini! From Utah, USA.

[PharisaerWatch]

Good job, Jens. You are always very focused, very committed and it is clear that you are really trying your best to support Ukraine but also make NATO as an alliance better everyday. Stay healthy and keep up the good work!

[ajdinaliu]

Thank you sir you are awesome leader natho and everyone is blessed to have you thank you sir

[BliniusSpoykoch]

Well deserved. With all the speeches the heads of state have been making, Sec. Gen. Stoltenberg's stood alone in conveying the meaning and urgency of this war. As far more than a battle of 2 countries, but the viability of democracies uniting against withering dictatorship. With global impact for generations to come.,

[RanchTX]

Well deserved, Mr.Secretary! You are a true fighter for freedom and right to life for all people. 🤩

[arnie]

Jens Stotenberg has be an absolute stalwart as the leader of NATO. Ukaraine now has a real chance of victory with the help of NATO and other allies who totally believe in democracy.

[rankinstudios]

How nice for Ukraine to acknowledge the incredible work with NATO.
🇺🇦 Ukraine you are strong and courageous!

[sergiydekhtyar]

❤‍🔥Thank you very much for all the support that you have done for Ukraine ❤‍🔥

[gofastboat]

Excellent, Jens deserves that award BIG TIME. Glory to Ukraine

[celiaowen]

Agree totally. He is a very special and strong man. Great character

[williamknows]

Jens is a great Guy, me and my class got to speak to him at a political conference in Sweden. I have full trust in his ability to lead Nato to a safer future.

[hermanoturtle]

Proud of you Jens. Du er veldig stolt Norsk.

[garyjones]

NATO is fortunate to have Jens Stoltenberg as their Secretary General during these trying times. No one has ever done better in the role than Secretary Stoltenberg.

[junjieromero]

Good leadership of Ukrain and NATO. Zelenski and Jen Stoltenberg

[irmanv.]

Well deserved Award - Stoltenberg really understands the Ukrainian situation & his great strength, high morals & hard work he had excelled as a true leader!!! Many thanks from all over the WORLD! Thank you for standing up to this evil power & doing your very best to #SupportUkraine!!!
#UkraineWinIsEssential These great Ukrainian People had inspired our world - a fight for #Freedom & a fight for #Ukraine.
#SlavaUkraine 💙💛🇺🇦🇺🇦💙💛🇺🇦🇺🇦💙💛

[tashigyamtso]

As a Tibetan I fully support Ukrainian

[NaveMafe]

Peace, prosperity, and victory to Ukraine 🇺🇦,

[divumque]

Respect and honor to NATO members and to all the countries and people who have been helping Ukraine in any possible ways. Victory and glory to Ukraine.

[lapsurgranjit]

My Salutes to NATO Secretary General, Viva Ukrainians.☝👏👏👏

[chriscoates]

God, We, must do what we can to Bless the Ukraine people and there stoic efforts to bring an end to this murderous WAR