The reception was attended by representatives of the U.S. Department of Defense, State Department and Congress, branches and services of the Armed Forces, as well as foreign diplomats accredited in Washington DC, Ukrainian Diaspora, businessmen, NGOs and media.

In his opening remarks Ambassador of Ukraine Olexander Motsyk emphasized that nowadays the Armed Forces of Ukraine make a significant contribution to international security and global stability. Ukraine’s Ambassador also stressed that for 20 years of participation in peacekeeping activities more than 37 thousands of Ukrainian officers and soldiers took part in peacekeeping operations. Currently, Ukrainian peacekeepers fulfill their mission in Afghanistan, Kosovo, Liberia, DRC and other “hot spots” under the auspices of NATO, EU and UN.

O.Motsyk expressed gratitude to the United States for its permanent support in developing Ukrainian defense capabilities as well as modern, professional, well-equipped and operational Armed Forces.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Evelyn Farkas marked highly Ukraine’s participation in the peacekeeping operations and expressed readiness to further support Ukraine in developing modern Armed Forces that would meet world standards.