UN promises to cooperate with Ukraine

President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych has met in Davos with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Among the subjects discussed by the sides were nuclear and food security. President Yanukovych informed the UN Secretary-General that Ukraine successfully continues the preparation for the International Conference "25 years since the Chernobyl disaster. Security of the future.” 

"We are currently working with our donor countries. We look forward to high representation of participants of the conference and, undoubtedly, are preparing the appropriate decisions," Viktor Yanukovych said. 

In the context of nuclear security, the President also informed on the agreements reached during his official visit to Japan, particularly on cooperation between Ukraine and Japan on nuclear safety and rehabilitation of the territories damaged by the Chernobyl disaster. 

"Considering the experience of Japan, it is very useful. We agreed that they will offer us their helping hand and we will work together," he said, adding that he is deeply grateful for the agreement to cooperate received from the Prime Minister and the Emperor of Japan. 

President Yanukovych expressed the assurance that time has come for Ukraine to begin active restoration of the territories affected by the Chernobyl accident. He emphasized the undoubted importance of the technological expertise of Japan. 

Addressing the UN Secretary-General, President Yanukovych said: "We would like you to support us in this direction." 

For his part, the UN Secretary-General expressed his hope that the International Conference dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident "will significantly increase the level of understanding of the importance of nuclear security." Ban Ki-moon said that he looks forward to visiting Ukraine to take part in the conference, and hopes to meet with the President and Government officials to discuss with them the future of Ukraine's partnership with the UN. 

The partnership between Ukraine and the United Nations is becoming more and more powerful and deep, Ban Ki-moon said. 

At the meeting the UN Secretary-General has also expressed his concern over the global trend of food prices growing. "This leads to crises in many countries," Ban Ki-moon said. "We, the UN, are looking for ways to overcome these phenomena," he said. 

Viktor Yanukovych and Ban Ki-moon have discussed the possibility of cooperation between the UN and Ukraine in overcoming the food crisis. "We aim to actively participate in the UN food security programs. Ukraine has the appropriate agricultural production capabilities. Therefore, we are ready to support the UN initiative in this area," President Yanukovych said.

"We will cooperate closely with Ukraine," the UN Secretary-General said. 

Referring to food security, President Yanukovych also noted the importance of agreements reached on this issue with Japan. "We are going to unite Ukraine’s efforts, and investment and technological capabilities of Japan to increase the production of food and its supplies to global markets," Viktor Yanukovych said.