Volodymyr Lytvyn: Serbia is a Key Partner of Ukraine in the Balkan Region
31 May 2011, 14:09
On Tuesday,
Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, met Vuk Jeremić, Minister of
Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia.
Welcoming the guests, the Head of the Ukrainian Parliament declared, "We see Serbia as our friends." He stressed that this country is a key partner of Ukraine in the Balkan region. He also stated that his recent visit to Serbia confirmed similar attitude of this country towards Ukraine.
V.Lytvyn believes that both Ukraine and Serbia have favourable political conditions to strengthen inter-state cooperation. "It is possible to strengthen the bilateral relations in all areas, and coordinate our interaction in the issues on cooperation with the European Union," he stated.
The Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine believes that the ongoing visit of the Minister and the expected visit of Serbian President to Ukraine will boost development of relations between Ukraine and Serbia. "Inter-parliamentary cooperation is a key component in such cooperation," V.Lytvyn stressed. He reminded that the parliaments of Ukraine and Serbia had signed the agreement on inter-parliamentary cooperation a year ago.
In his turn, the Minister stated that despite long-lasting inter-state relations, it is for the first time that the Minister of Foreign Affairs has paid an official visit. He declared that the recent visit of the Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine to Serbia boosted inter-parliamentary dialogue, which will strengthen cooperation in other areas.
Mr Vuk Jeremić informed that
the inter-governmental agreement canceling visa regime between the countries
had been signed that day. He hopes that parliaments of Serbia and Ukraine will
sign this document shortly. The Head of the Ukrainian Parliament assured the Minister
of Foreign Affairs that the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine will not delay
ratification of this agreement.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia informed about the Days of Ukraine in Serbia scheduled for the next year. He calls on the parliaments of both countries to take part in this event.
Mr Vuk Jeremić also expects that Ukraine as the state that observes the international law will support territorial integrity of Serbia.
The Head of the Ukrainian Parliament noted fruitful cooperation of Ukraine and Serbia in the European parliamentary institutions. He stated that Ukraine was interested in strengthening trade and economic relations. "I look forward to boosting work of the Inter-Governmental Ukrainian-Serbian Commission on Trade and Economic, and Scientific and Technological Cooperation," V.Lytvyn stressed. He is convinced that the parties will develop common investment projects. V.Lytvyn also stated that Ukraine is interested in Serbia´s experience of accessing the European Union.