Ukraine's President Viktor Yushchenko (L) addresses a joint session of Parliament at the House of Commons as speaker Peter Millike looks on in Ottawa May 26, 2008. Yushchenko is on a state visit to Canada until May 28.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    OTTAWA, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko reaffirmed Monday his government's determination to join NATO, stressing that gaining membership in the alliance is an important step in strengthening Ukraine's sovereignty.

    Yushchenko started a three-day visit to Canada Monday, during which he addressed the Canadian Parliament and held talks with Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

    "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) Photo Gallery>>>

    Canada and the United States have said they support Ukraine's bid to join the cross-Atlantic alliance. However, other NATO members, such as France and Germany, have been more cautious about this.

    In his address to the parliament, Harper expressed support for a private member's bill recognizing the 1932-33 famine in Ukraine as an act of genocide. The bill, waiting for a vote before summer, is set to pass.

    The two leaders also discussed enhancing political and commercial bilateral ties as well as co-operation on the mission in Afghanistan.

    Yushchenko will also visit the western city of Winnipeg and Canada's biggest city Toronto during his visit. 

Ukraine's President Viktor Yushchenko (L) speaks during a joint news conference with Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Parliament Hill in Ottawa May 26, 2008. Yushchenko is on a state visit to Canada until May 28.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>