It was the first and remains the only such centre that NATO has opened in any Partner country. Ukraine has made great strides. Let me conclude my remarks today with some reflections on this point. Today, Ukraine's primary security concern is the economy - that is, to underpin democracy with economic growth and an increased standard of living for all Ukrainians. However, for any measures to succeed courage and leadership are required, no less in the Rada than in the Government.
Parliament is the key to any functioning democracy.
The Rada, it seems to me, bears a special responsibility for promoting and monitoring progress along the path of economic reform and thus helping to create a climate conducive to economic investment and prosperity. With such reform, Ukraine will also be in a better position to benefit from the support of European institutions. Ladies and Gentlemen, Over the last decade, we have seen a sea-change in European security relations. NATO and Ukraine have been major contributors to that change. We all share the same continent.