President holds reception for diplomats

President Victor Yushchenko together with his wife Kateryna Yushchenko held a traditional yearly reception for the heads of diplomatic and international organizations missions to Ukraine. The reception was held in the Diplomatic Academy on Thursday, president's press office reported.

Opening the reception the President summarized political developments during the last year in Ukraine and sketched basic goals and priorities for 2008.

First of all V. Yushchenko reaffirmed that Ukraine’s policy aimed at European and Euro-Atlantic integration fully complies with the philosophy of internal transformation within the state. Logical step of this policy to President’s mind shall become beginning of talks on the free trade zone with the EU.

V. Yushchenko also expressed expectancy for prolific dialogue with NATO in 2008. “Ukraine expects that NATO Bucharest Summit’s agenda shall include a question of Ukraine’s accession to NATO Membership Action Plan. We also hope for positive conclusion for our country on the subject,” he added.

There is time to the President for new quality relations with Russia too. “Both countries leadership is ready for developing a true and firm strategic partnership,” Yushchenko assured.

Another priority of the Ukrainian external policy is developing deeper relations and strengthening strategic partnership with the USA. “We expect that a clear-cut and prolific roadmap of bilateral cooperation will become an important beacon of our relations for following years,” the President said.

V. Yushchenko also dwelled on Ukraine’s activity within the framework of international organizations. He informed that the country intends to stir up its activity as United Nations member aimed at promotion of international peace and security as well as showing response to humanitarian challenges.