Within the Scope of the Working Visit to Ireland, Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, met Micheál Martin, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ireland
The Parties discussed promotion of bilateral relations between Ukraine and Ireland.
M.Martin mentioned the cases of cooperation in the economic sector, esp. in a pharmaceutical branch and mechanical engineering. V.Lytvyn deems necessary to take measures for the trade-economic cooperation "to acquire systemic comprehensive character".
According to the Head of the Ukrainian Parliament, the countries foster mutual interest, therefore, the information programmes shall be launched for the citizens of both countries to know more about the respective states. In his turn, the Minister for Foreign Affairs mentioned the "business missions" of the residents of Australia, Great Britain and several other countries who work in Ireland during the vacations.
The Head of the Ukrainian Parliament called for setting up a bilateral "economic commission or committee" to draft the proposals for joint projects and mutual investments, foster and regulate economic cooperation. The Parties agreed to suggest that the Governments of Ukraine and Ireland consider these ideas.
V.Lytvyn stressed the importance of drafting a convention between Ukraine and Ireland on elimination of double property and income taxation. He assured that the Parliament would apply all efforts for the Cabinet of Ministers to facilitate preparation of Ukraine´s part. V.Lytvyn declared that he would suggest the President of Ukraine and the Prime Minister of Ukraine to discuss this matter.
V.Lytvyn drew attention to the alleviation of visa regime between Ukraine and Ireland, since the present-day situation impedes the progress of cooperation.
The Parties discussed the pursuits of Ukraine towards European integration. The Minister for Foreign Affairs stated that Ireland supported the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union. He also noted the advancement of the negotiations.
M.Martin stated that he felt "a benevolent attitude of the European Union towards Ukraine" at the meeting of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the EU member States on the eve of the official visit of Ukrainian delegation. "During the visit of the newly-elected President of Ukraine to Brussels, the EU implied the willingness to cooperate with him", he stated.
V.Lytvyn stressed that the long-awaited resolutions of the EU concerning Ukraine would enhance stability in Europe and foster predictable relations both between Russia and Ukraine, and between Russia and Europe.
Within the scope of the working visit, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada also met Séamus Kirk, Chairman of the House of Commons of the Parliament of Ireland, Bernard J. Durkan, Chairman of the Committee on European Matters, and John Perri, Chairman of the Committee on European Legislation. Volodymyr Lytvyn will meet Enda Kenny, leader of Fine Gael Party and Michael D. Higgins, Deputy Chairman of the Labour Party.