Ukraine puts High Hopes on Poland's Chairmanship in the European Union, - V.Lytvyn
02 July 2011, 17:48
Ukraine puts
high hopes on Poland´s chairmanship in the European Union.
Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, made the foregoing statement, meeting Grzegorz Schetyna, Marshal of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland, within the working visit to the Republic of Poland.
In the beginning of the meeting, Mr Schetyna stated that he attaches great importance to meeting his counterpart, as Poland took over presidency over the European Union the day before. The Marshal of the Sejm declared that Poland has always been the ambassador of Ukraine in the EU and its friends that will support Ukraine on its way to the European community.
V.Lytvyn thanked the Marshal of the Sejm for his participation in the anniversary festival of the Ukrainian culture.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine congratulated the Marshal of the Sejm on the beginning of Poland´s presidency in the European Union. He is convinced that it will yield positive results for EU, Poland and Ukraine. He considers Poland´s presidency over the European Union to be most favourable and, at the same time, a critical moment for Ukraine, as agreements on association and a free trade zone are expected to be signed in this period, and a visa-free regime between Ukraine and the EU is hoped to be introduced.
V.Lytvyn also regards Poland´s presidency in the European Union to be utterly important in view of the forthcoming parliamentary elections in Ukraine. He believes that positive resolutions concerning association agreement and liberalization of a visa regime "will narrow the room for manoeuvre for Ukrainian politicians, as they will act in a more consolidated way, discussing the organization of life in line with the European choice."
Mr Schetyna informed that the second summit of the Eastern Partnership will be held in Warsaw in September 2011. He considers this event to be a key moment of Poland´s presidency over the European Union. He attaches great importance to Ukraine´s participation in this summit.
V.Lytvyn responded that Ukraine considers the Eastern Partnership to be an added value to the relations between Ukraine and the EU. He suggested holding the meeting of the parliament speakers of the EURONEST PA during the summit. V.Lytvyn stated, "It will let us unanimously declare the growing role and importance of the Eastern Partnership and its parliamentary dimension."
The parties also discussed the state and outlooks of bilateral Ukrainian-Polish parliamentary cooperation. They noted a high level of cooperation and active contacts between the parliaments, groups of friendship and committees.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine recommends making the relations more systemic. "I observe active work between the presidents and the governments, while the parliaments could extend their cooperation in the humanitarian sector," he stated. "Our liaison should be more active, so that we could discuss the pressing issues and pass decisions in advance."
The parties focused on the organization of the final part of the European Football Championship 2012. According to Mr Schetyna, this event is unique due to the cooperation between the countries, one of which is an EU member state, and the other is on the way towards European integration. The Heads of the Parliaments believe that this event will be a test for Ukrainian-Polish common organizational abilities.
Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, laid flowers to the cross and the memorable stone in honour of the Wisla Operation in the city of Koszalin.
As reported, Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, stays with a working visit in the Republic of Poland (Koszalin city) to take part in ХХ Festival of Ukrainian Culture.
Together with G.Schetyna, Marshal of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland, V.Lytvyn will attend the debates "Twenty Years of Ukraine´s Independence through the Eyes of Politicians", and meet the leaders of western Pomoria region and Koszalin city.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and the Marshal of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland will hold a joint press conference for mass media and attend the official opening of the gala night.