NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg meets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on September 28, 2023. (Photo: AP)

The statement was made at a joint press conference following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who said it was only a "matter of time" before Ukraine became an official NATO member and he will make every effort to bring this moment closer.

Stoltenberg announced that NATO now has over-arching framework contracts in place with arms companies worth 2.4 billion euros for key ammunition, including 1 billion euros in firm orders. 

He said such contracts will allow NATO members to replenish their depleted stockpiles while also continuing to provide Ukraine with ammunition.