PRAGUE, Czech Republic (AP) – Czech Foreign Minister Cyril Svoboda said Nov. 14 his country supported Ukraine’s efforts to become a member of the European Union and NATO, the foreign ministry said in a statement.
“Ukraine is a brilliant example of a country longing for freedom and democracy,” Svoboda told Ukraine’s Defense Minister Anatoliy Gritsenko during his visit to Prague, the statement said.
The Czech Republic was ready to assist Ukraine, it said.
President Viktor Yushchenko has made membership in the European Union and NATO long-term goals for his nation of 47 million, which for centuries has fallen largely under Russia’s sway.
The Czech Republic joined NATO in 1999 and the EU last year in May together with nine others, mostly post-communist countries.
Analysts have predicted that Ukraine could receive an invitation to join the alliance during NATO’s 2008 summit.
