The leadership of the Ukrainian Navy and representatives of the "Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2" (SNMCMG2) met in Odessa, on March 10.

The visit was aimed at ensuring security in the Black Sea region, deepening relations and cooperation between Ukraine and NATO (Ukrainian Navy's press service).

After the four ships moored, a protocol meeting was held between Commander of SNMCMG2, Turkish Navy Captain Yusuf Karagülle and Chief of Staff, Ukrainian Navy Deputy Commander, Vice Admiral Andriy Tarasov.

We are grateful for the attention NATO pays to Ukraine. A vivid evidence is the visit of a permanent NATO group to our port in Odessa. Last year, a Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group entered the Black Sea with which we practiced joint PASSEX-type drills, it is very important for us to constantly gain experience, cooperate and have reliable friends.

We are now restoring our capabilities, which were partially lost in 2014, and we hope that our participation in joint actions with NATO will only increase

Vice Admiral Andriy Tarasov

Moreover, he added the Ukrainian side has further plans to increase contribution to joint actions within NATO. In turn, NATO officials noted the importance of the event and thanked the Ukrainian side for the warm welcome.

According to Karagülle, mutual development and cooperation are very important to NATO, especially in the Black Sea. He added NATO plans to further develop its relations with Ukraine in the future.