"The only ... solution to make Ukraine eternal is Ukraine's ascension to the system of collective security ... When we're speaking about Ukraine's NATO membership, we're speaking about genuine Ukraine sovereignty. This is the reason why such a strong and insistent policy is being carried out by the Ukrainian government," he told Canada's House of Commons.

He also thanked Canada's support for Ukraine joining NATO during a joint press conference with Harper.

Ukraine's President Viktor Yushchenko (bottom) acknowledges a standing ovation after addressing a joint session of Parliament in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa May 26, 2008. Yushchenko is on a state visit to Canada until May 28. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)