Dutch and Ukraine leaders discuss Ukraine’s bid to NATO access

Dutch and Ukraine leaders discuss Ukraine’s bid to NATO access

After a ceremonial greeting from Queen Beatrix at Noordeinde Palace in The Hague, Yushchenko was scheduled to hold talks at parliament with Balkenende as part of his two-day visit.

Membership in the Western military alliance has been a top priority for Yushchenko since the start of his 2004 presidential election campaign, and he is hoping for an invitation in 2008 as a first step toward EU membership.

But the plan has run into fierce opposition in Ukraine, the AP reports.

Dutch support for Ukraine's bid to join the alliance would likely strengthen Yushchenko's position. The Netherlands is regarded as a major player in NATO despite its size.