Georgia and Ukraine "sooner or later" can become member states of NATO, but at present they should focus on reforms, says NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

Stoltenberg made this statement as he spoke at the 63rd annual session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Bucharest yesterday, Ukrainian media reported.

He said the Alliance is concerned by Russia’s "military build-up close to our borders”.

"Ukraine and Georgia should focus on reforms. These reforms are important, regardless of whether they become members sooner or later, and regardless of what they think about membership", Ukrainform quoted Stoltenberg.

Speaking about NATO's relations with Russia, the head of the Alliance noted the presence of many problematic issues.

Stoltenberg said that NATO does not want to isolate Russia and needs a political dialogue with Moscow, which is based on the strength of the allies.

"We continue to call on Russia to abide by its international commitments. Russia is our neighbour. Russia is here to stay. We do not want to isolate Russia. NATO does not want a new Cold War”, he said.

He added that NATO’s actions are designed to prevent, not provoke, conflict and the alliance is committed to transparency and predictability, which are "in everybody’s interest”.