| |
 | Press Releases | | |
President's state visit to Ukraine commenced14.10.2002
 The state visit of the President of the Republic and Mrs Ingrid Rüütel to Ukraine began this afternoon with an official welcoming ceremony in front of the Mariinski Palace, in Kiev.
At the meeting of Ukraine's President Leonid Kuchma and Estonia's Head of State Arnold Rüütel, and during the following talks between delegations likewise, the bilateral relations between Estonia and Ukraine as well as possibilities to develop these were under discussion. About fifty different treaties, including a free trade agreement, form the basis of our relationship. The trade between Estonia and Ukraine has been increasing from year to year, whereas the hi-tech products' share of the trade has grown. During their today's meeting, both Heads of State found that it was possible to develop our economic contacts and that they, at the same time, were a prerequisite for co-operation in other areas too. The Heads of State agreed that the economic relations between Estonia and Ukraine would have an upward trend after Estonia will have become a member of the European Union and Ukraine of the World Trade Organisation.
 The President of Ukraine voiced the hope that Estonia as forerunner would support also Ukraine's aspirations towards the European Union and NATO. At the meeting, the intergovernmental co-operation in combating terrorism was touched upon as well.
Subsequent to the meetings between the Presidents and delegations, Heiki Kranich, Minister of the Environment of the Republic of Estonia, and Serhiy Kurykin, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Ukraine, signed a framework agreement on environmental co-operation determining the directions of our co-operation for the years to come.
In the evening, President Rüütel and President Kuchma attended a business seminar either of them giving a brief speech. President Rüütel saluted Ukraine's efforts to join the WTO and to conclude a free trade agreement with the European Union.
The President of Ukraine tonight will host an official dinner in honour of the President of the Republic of Estonia.
Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, October 14, 2002
|
| |
|
vpk.ee
