KIEV, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Ukrainian parliament on Thursday approved an appeal to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), urging the organization to launch an official dialogue with Ukraine on the Membership Action Plan (MAP) this year.
"The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine calls on NATO leaders to approve at the Alliance's jubilee summit in London in December 2019 a progressive vision of the development of relations with Ukraine, which will lead to its membership in the Organization," said the appeal published on the parliamentary website.
The MAP is a NATO program offering advice, assistance and practical support to countries wishing to join the alliance. Participation in the MAP does not guarantee a membership.
Earlier in the day, the parliament passed a constitutional amendment stating Ukraine's commitment to joining NATO.
Last month, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said that his country will start implementing the NATO MAP in 2024.
In 2014, when pro-West authorities came into power in Ukraine, the parliament revoked Ukraine's non-aligned status, paving the way for its membership in military blocs.
Since then, Ukraine increased interactions with NATO, but the organization has not promised Kiev immediate membership prospects.
