Ukraine became an associate member of the world’s largest organization of reserve officers of NATO countries – Confédération Interalliéedes Officiers de Réserve (CIOR). About this reported press service of the Ministry of Defense.
The official announcement of the acquisition of this status took place at the NATO headquarters in Brussels. The decision to join Ukraine was unanimously supported by the heads of national associations of reserve officers of the Alliance countries. Among the NATO partner states, only Ukraine, Switzerland and Austria have the status of associate members of CIOR.
“This is a historic step that should have taken place 23 years ago. Joining the CIOR opens up new opportunities for Ukraine, primarily in the development of reserve forces and deepening of cooperation with NATO.”– said Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Brigadier General of Justice Serhiy Melnyk, who headed the Ukrainian delegation in Brussels.
He emphasized that Ukraine will not only adopt the best practices of allies, but also share its own experience in training reservists and organization of defense.
CIOR President Colonel Jorn Buo congratulated Ukraine on acquiring the new status and emphasized the importance of sharing knowledge and experience between NATO reservists and partner states.
“We sincerely welcome Ukrainian reservists to our community. We have a lot to learn from each other, and the exchange of values, knowledge, skills and invaluable real-world experience will benefit all participants and strengthen the foundations of our freedoms and security.” – noted Buo.
