On Monday, Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman of the
Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, met Mehmet Ali
Sahin, Speaker of the Great National
Assembly of the Republic of
Turkey.
V. Lytvyn stated that the parliamentary delegation "have thoroughly prepared for this visit, as Ukraine is looking forward to the practical implementation of bilateral cooperation." "We expect improvement of not only inter-parliamentary, but also inter-state dialogue", Volodymyr Lytvyn declared. He added, "Both states are united by a 115-million population, a large territory, real potential and opportunities."
The Head of the Ukrainian Parliament is convinced that "we should find the spheres to extend the relations and establish a new stage in the bilateral cooperation." V. Lytvyn believes that Europe will not be complete without Turkey and Ukraine. "Presence of Ukraine and Turkey in the European institutions will show their integrity", V. Lytvyn stressed. He stated that the countries had a necessary determination to implement these intentions. He also hopes that Europe will understand these pursuits.
Volodymyr Lytvyn emphasized that location of Ukraine and Turkey in the Black Sea region gives extra benefits for the states, thus "cooperation in this region should develop in line with globalization."
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine stressed that Turkey had achieved such a rate of development that "it could be rather independent to decide with whom to be on friendly terms." Thus, V. Lytvyn attaches great importance to the strategic partnership.
V. Lytvyn announced, "Shortly, there will be a new mechanism, a new strategic direction of our cooperation." He reminded that the Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey would presently make an official visit to Ukraine to sign the document on setting up a strategic council. "The strategic council will strengthen cooperation in the economic sector. There will be no obstacles for the businessmen", V. Lytvyn explained. According to the Head of the Parliament, establishment of the strategic council "will pave the way for serious and crucial actions in the economic and social spheres."
According to Volodymyr Lytvyn, the Ukrainian Parliament is going to adopt a number of systematic decisions to regulate cooperation between Ukraine and Turkey, namely, the democratic principles of shipping and travel. "It is essential in the light of cooperation with the European community," V. Lytvyn stated. "At least 90 applicable documents regulate these issues in Ukraine."
The Chairman of
the Verkhovna Rada deems necessary to boost
the work of the friendship
groups. "Our friendship groups will shape a dynamic
agenda for the inter-parliamentary liaison to become
systemic," he stressed.
Mehmet Ali Sahin, Speaker of the Great National Assembly of the Republic of Turkey, declared that the meeting "is of special importance in terms of democratic principles and peace in the Black Sea region, where Ukraine is regarded as one of the most authoritative states." He stressed, "It is high time we signed an essential document to extend the frameworks of cooperation between Ukraine and Turkey." Mr. Sahin suggested a regular exchange of parliamentary delegations on the level of friendship groups. The Speaker of the Great National Assembly of the Republic of Turkey announced that Turkey and Ukraine shall sign an agreement on free trade zone at the high-level meetings to increase the turnover of goods.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine called for strengthening the cooperation in the social sphere, and suggested shooting a new film about Roxelana, "a romantic figure in our states", "to add historic truth on either side."
"Existence of any nation is impossible without history, memory and myths", he added.
V. Lytvyn also suggested organizing a friendly football match between the Parliaments of Ukraine and Turkey. Mehmet Ali Sahin made a joke that his experience of parliamentary work would make him a good arbiter.