Ukrainian Navy Commander hosted German delegation in Sevastopol

27.05.2010 Protocol meeting was held in Sevastopol on May 27 between Vice Admiral Viktor Maksimov, Ukrainian Navy Commander and Capt. Andre Dirks, commanding officer of German frigate FGS Niedersachsen.

Mr. Hans-Jurgen Heimsoeth, German ambassador to Ukraine and Col. Eberhard von Seydlitz, German Defense Attaché to Ukraine also attended the meeting.

During the meeting the parties discussed status and perspectives of bilateral military cooperation, and touched upon some matters of visiting program of FGS Niedersachsen in Sevastopol.

According to Vice Admiral Viktor Maksimov, Ukrainian mariners appreciate cooperation with German counterparts, particularly during multinational exercises.

"Our marines parachuted from German aircraft C-160 during the Ukrainian-American exercise Sea Breeze 2008", he reminded. "This year, participation of a German aircraft and airborne instructors in the Sea Breeze exercise is also planned. In addition, German officers regularly work in the multinational exercise headquarters".

Vice Admiral Viktor Maksimov also proposed German party to dispatch a warship to take part in the Ukrainian-American exercise Sea Breeze.

Capt. Andre Dirks, commanding officer of German frigate FGS Niedersachsen said in his turn that the ship called at the Black Sea after NATO's anti-terror Operation Active Endeavour; Ukrainian warships are involved in the operation as well.

FGS Niedersachsen sailed off on Jan 10 within a 3-ship task unit, he said. During the cruise the ship visited 12 ports of 10 countries where German sailors shared experience with their foreign colleagues. The frigate is expected to return home on June 18.

Ukrainian foreign minister Konstantin Grishchenko emphasized that it was important for Ukrainian government to cooperate with the Federal Republic of Germany, said German ambassador to Ukraine Mr. Hans-Jurgen Heimsoeth recalling his previous meeting with Ukrainian foreign minister.

German party estimates the visit of FGS Niedersachsen to Sevastopol as one of examples displaying such cooperation, pointed out the ambassador.

At the end of meeting the parties exchanged souvenirs.