Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, believes that Ukraine and Russia should discuss strengthening economic integration in full possession of political sovereignty.
Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, made the foregoing statement in the interview to "Vid Pershoyi Osoby" program (Era Radio).
The Head of the Parliament reminded that the countries managed to reach a compromise on a number of pressing political issues. He believes that Russia should demonstrate its moves towards Ukraine if it wants to foster close economic cooperation and political relations with Ukraine.
V.Lytvyn expects that this dialogue will reach feasible solutions to realize the economic capacities of Ukraine and Russia. "Our economic cooperation should be more active. It does not concern any issues connected with the Customs Union," he stated.
V.Lytvyn reminded that the Ukrainian side was ready to sign the agreement on a free trade zone within the Commonwealth of Independent States. He supposes that it would settle numerous issues and realize the benefits of a widely discussed economic cooperation. "Then, based on a positive outcome and economic interests, and in full possession of political sovereignty, we could discuss strengthening of economic integration. Today we should move from general talks to practical actions to achieve feasible economic results. Confidence and relations should be based on economic calculations," V.Lytvyn summed up.