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Address by the President of the Republic at the Kiev Business Seminar on October 14, 200214.10.2002
Mr President,
Honourable Businessmen,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The famous Ukrainian hospitality we have enjoyed from the very first moments of our visit is testifying to the fact that we are meeting friends and partners in co-operation here. I believe that it is perfectly justified to say this also about the businessmen gathered in this hall. The today's high-level seminar is attesting to our continuous interest in strengthening the existing ties. The advantages of a small country like Estonia - be them our favourable location at junctions of trade routes, our ice-free ports offering reliable services, or the likes - need to be presented particularly consistently.
During my meeting with President Kutchma and the talks between our official delegations, the interest in economic co-operation was confirmed one more time. And so, at this point, I would like to salute Ukraine's plans and efforts made to join the World Trade Organisation in 2003, and to conclude a free trade agreement with the European Union in 2004. These processes are very attentively observed also by Estonian businessmen for whom Estonia's accession to the European Union, at the same time, will mean the termination of our free trade agreement. Yet, keeping and strengthening the stable economic environment is our continuous mutual interest.
The approach of our countries to the European Union is furthering the economic collaboration between Ukraine and Estonia on a new level inspiring us to amend laws, norms and technologies, and to improve our business practice. Therefore, I am confident that the policy directed towards European integration and balanced development will ensure the economies of both Estonia and Ukraine a rapid progress for the following years, and prepare a firm ground for the growth of foreign trade and investments.
I would like to wish you a great success in reaching your goals and in continuing fertile economic co-operation between Ukraine and Estonia!
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