KIEV, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said on Thursday that he sees no alternatives to Ukraine's aspirations to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the presidential press service said.
"The movement to NATO remains a non-alternative direction for Ukraine, its protection and preservation of territorial integrity," Poroshenko said in a congratulatory statement to mark the alliance's 70th anniversary.
Noting that Ukraine remains a "reliable partner of NATO in building a common and secure future," Poroshenko stressed that Kiev stands ready to start implementing NATO's Membership Action Plan (MAP).
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.
In February, the Ukrainian parliament passed a constitutional amendment stating Ukraine's commitment to joining NATO.
The East European country set a target to get the NATO MAP no later than 2023.
