Yanukovych: Many things in Europe depend on Ukrainian-Russian relations

President Viktor Yanukovych took part in a meeting of the Ukrainian part of Ukrainian-Russian Intergovernmental Commission, presidential press office reported.

Participants of the meeting have discussed preparation for the third meeting of Ukrainian-Russian Intergovernmental Commission, which, according to the President, will be held during the official visit of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to Ukraine.

Opening the meeting, President Yanukovych said that this commission has not been working for a long time, so restoring it was quite an effort for the authorities. "For a few months already we have been cooperating in many areas and during this short period we were able to find common grounds. Today, of course, the atmosphere of understanding between our countries is restored and it is very important," said Viktor Yanukovych.

The President stressed that at this stage it is important to create all conditions for further constructive and effective work of ministries and departments. "It is important to provide a business contact, which would be main prerequisite for development of economic relations between businesses of Ukraine and Russia,” he said.

In this context Viktor Yanukovych said that today he had a meeting with top management of JSC TNK-BP, during which the sides discussed development of Ukrainian oil market and prospects of the company opening a new direction - extraction of methane in areas where coal is mined.

The President noted that this project is interesting and important for Ukraine both in terms of economy and providing safety of the coal industry.

Describing the relations between Ukraine and Russia, the President said: "I look at relations with Russia in terms of perspective, overcoming the economic recession in Ukraine and effective utilization of our state’s resources to boost the economy.”

President Yanukovych expressed confidence that the issue concerns not only Ukraine and Russia, but neighbors and partners of both countries too, because "many things in Europe depend on Ukrainian-Russian relations. The interest, which is being observed in other countries, gives grounds to strengthen the relations between Ukraine and Russia and make progress in the issues that have not been resolved for many years,” said Viktor Yanukovych.