The joint meeting of representatives of the deputy group of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on inter-parliamentary relations with the Russian Federation and the deputy group of the State Duma of the Russian Federation on relations with the Parliament of Ukraine in Odesa was held
27 May 2013, 12:52
Opening the meeting, the Chairman of the group of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on inter-parliamentary relations with the Russian Federation Serhiy Kivalov noted that “today, Ukrainian-Russian inter-regional border cooperation is one of the most dynamic and prospective directions to strengthen strategic bilateral partnership”.
Official greetings to the participants of the meeting from the President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych, the Prime Minister of Ukraine Mykola Azarov and the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Volodymyr Rybak were read out at the beginning of the event.
Delegation of the Russian Parliament members was headed by the First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee CIS Affairs and Relations with Compatriots Dmitry Sablin. He noted that “Our groups are traditionally the biggest in the parliaments of both states because we represent interests of our voters. We know by experience how many issues requiring consideration of human relations between our citizens and the citizens of Ukraine there were. The issues of rapprochement and mutual understanding are important both for us and you”.
The issue of strengthening cooperation in introducing inter-state socio-economic, cultural, educational, sports and other projects was discussed during the meeting.
According to S.Kivalov such meetings are unique, for they provide the possibility not only to discuss sore subject and find the way out, but also to strengthen friendly relations between our states.
“We will necessarily make use of suggestions regarding boarder cooperation and will work on amendments to the legislative basis. All this can be done. The main thing is to wish it,” summed S.Kivalov.
Governor of Odesa region Eduard Matviychuk and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Russia to Ukraine Mikhail Zubarov participated in the event.