    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book II)]
    [July 9, 1997]
    [Page 927]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at the Signing Ceremony for the NATO-Ukraine Charter in Madrid
    July 9, 1997

        Secretary General, fellow leaders, ladies and gentlemen: From the
    four quarters of our alliance, we have come to Madrid to build a new
    Europe, where old divides are bridged by new ties of friendship and
    cooperation, where we recognize no spheres of influence but instead the
    influence of shared ideals.
        Today we take another step toward that new Europe with the signing
    of this charter between a new NATO and a democratic Ukraine. From the
    moment we declared this goal last fall, all have worked hard toward this
    day. I thank President Kuchma for his vision and courage in leading his
    great nation down the path of reform. I also thank Secretary General
    Solana for his efforts on behalf of our alliance.
        This charter launches a closer relationship between NATO and Ukraine
    that will benefit both. It lays a foundation for consultation and
    cooperation. It welcomes Ukraine as our partner in building an undivided
    Europe.
        Over the last 2 months, Ukraine's bold steps have made this
    continent more stable and more secure through its treaty of friendship
    and cooperation with Russia, its border agreement with Romania, its
    declaration of reconciliation with Poland. Now an open dialog and joint
    activities with NATO will help Ukraine solidify reform and strengthen
    stability throughout Europe.
        This charter reflects and reinforces the way this continent has
    changed. Ukraine has emerged from a century of struggle to pursue the
    highest standards of dignity and freedom. It is tackling tough economic
    reform. It has been a leader in reducing the nuclear danger. It has
    embarked on a course of peaceful integration with the community of
    democracies. NATO also has evolved to meet these new times with new
    missions, new members, a stronger Partnership For Peace, and now new
    partners, with Russia and, of course, today with Ukraine.
        Today, Europe's security is not a matter of competition but of
    cooperation on behalf of common goals. It is natural for Ukraine to
    reach out to NATO and for NATO to do the same, helping to secure Ukraine
    firmly in the heart of a new, undivided, democratic Europe.
        May the charter we sign today be just the opening page in a long
    history of unity, partnership, and peace that NATO and Ukraine will
    write together.
        Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 9:35 a.m. at the Palacio Municipal de
    Congresos. In his remarks, he referred to NATO Secretary General Javier
    Solana and President Leonid Kuchma of Ukraine. The transcript released
    by the Office of the Press Secretary also included the remarks of
    President of the Government Jose Maria Aznar of Spain, Secretary General
    Solana, and President Kuchma.