Kazakhstan, Astana, May 13 / Trend A.Maratov /
Ukraine's refusal to join NATO has not prevented cooperation between the two sides, NATO Secretary General Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia James Appathurai said in Astana. He is on a two-day visit to Kazakhstan.
"No, Ukraine has no desire to join NATO, its government has taken such a decision and we respect the choice." Appathurai said.
Meanwhile, he said, the decision does not prevent NATO cooperation with Ukraine.
"We have more close relation than ever before. I think that Kiev would agree that this decision did not prevent the progress of our relations," he added.
Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych abolished the interdepartmental commission on preparation of Ukraine to join NATO.
Yanukovych also liquidated National Center for Euro-Atlantic integration and freed Vladimir Gorbulin from the duties of the center chair.