NATO Celebrates 70 Year Anniversary

In 1949, four years after the Second World War ended, the United States, Canada, and their European allies signed the North Atlantic Treaty. Initially set up to protect member states against the Soviet Union, the NATO political and military alliance has worked for 70 years to strengthen collective defense, democracy, human rights and the rule of law – while more recently dealing with emerging international threats, including, an increasingly aggressive Russia.To mark the 70th anniversary of NATO, a special event was held at Kyiv’s European Square.

“We want for Ukraine what we believe is the best: freedom to choose its future, that is a model that we share – full freedom, full peace, full prosperity, full stability,” NATO Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Alejandro Alvargonzalez said in a speech at the square. “We have decided to accompany you in this long and difficult journey. We will advise, support, help in many ways. You know, you will have to do the job and you will get the benefits, they are yours.”

Right after the celebratory remarks, a flower arrangement was unveiled, to celebrate the strong links between NATO and Ukraine.

“Ukraine is one of our most important partners and our relationships, as well as history, are closely linked to each other. We want to bring NATO closer to the Ukrainian citizens, to the Kyivans,” Director of the NATO Information and Documentation Centre of Ukraine Barbora Maronkova said.

Ukraine has been working to incorporate NATO standards into its armed forces. On Monday, Ukraine’s new president Volodymyr Zelenskyi highlighted the importance of Ukraine’s path towards European Union and NATO integration.

Next week, the capital will host a hackathon event, where IT specialists from NATO member states and different Ukrainian military and law enforcement agencies will work to develop cyber management, communication, intelligence and surveillance operations, among other areas.