Turkey, Ukraine sign NATO deal on air traffic data exchange

An agreement on air situation data exchange between NATO and Ukraine has been signed Wednesday by the Chief of Turkish General Staff Gen. Ilker Basbug, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Operations Adm. James G. Stavridis and Ukrainian Chief of Defense Staff Gen. Ivan Svyda.

Speaking at the signature ceremony for the agreement, General Basbug said that he was pleased, on behalf of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), to take the first step with Ukraine on air situation data exchange.

We look at the 'Air Situation Data Exchange' project as an important initiative to promote security internationally by NATO, General Basbug said.

The Memorandum of Understanding signed on Wednesday will make positive contributions to the control of air space in the Black Sea region and it will also develop mutual understanding and cooperation between NATO and Ukraine, General Basbug said.

General Svyda, in his part, said that the air situation data exchange carried importance for regional security and "in the fight against terrorism".

The "Air Situation Data Exchange" project facilitates the exchange of radar images obtained by NATO members and those countries included in the Partnership for Peace project.


/World Bulletin/