Ukrainian Navy Commander met with EU Ambassador

04.08.2011 EU Ambassador to Ukraine Jose Manuel Pinto Teixeira arrived in Sevastopol on Aug 2 with informal visit. The diplomat visited Ukrainian Navy HQ and met with Ukrainian Navy Commander Admiral Viktor Maksimov.

"Ukraine moves towards European Union and works hard on that", said the admiral. "Ukrainian Navy makes its contribution as well. For one, in July our marine company joined EU multinational tactical group HELBROC. Besides, four pilots and an airplane of Saki Naval Aviation Brigade are preparing to attend EU anti-piracy operation Atalanta", added Maksimov.

EU Ambassador to Ukraine Jose Manuel Pinto Teixeira thanked Ukrainian Navy Commander for warm welcome and expressed willingness to render any possible assistance in order to strengthen friendly relations between Ukrainian naval servicemen and their European counterparts.

Undoubtedly, Ukraine is a sea power, underlined the diplomat. As for him, it is pleasant to note that today's mariners keep on prowling the Black Sea just like their ancestors. Teixeira assured he would exert every effort to make Ukrainian Navy occupy top positions while integration into Europe.

During the conversation, the honored guest was briefed on current condition and development prospects of Ukrainian Navy. In particular, the parties touched upon issues of Ukraine's participation in international exercises and humanitarian operations, as well as officer training system for Ukrainian Navy.

Under the visit program, EU Ambassador to Ukraine Jose Manuel Pinto Teixeira boarded Ukrainian Navy's flagship frigate Getman Sagaidachnyi and visited historical sites of Sevastopol.