"European Integration is indisputably a key priority of Ukraine’s foreign and domestic policy. We perceive the EU as a civilizational choice, the optimal development model for our country, its economy, and social institutions, and in the future – as our common home," he said.
Viktor Yanukovych emphasized that signing the Association Agreement including the agreement on deep and comprehensive free trade area is currently the main objective of European integration of Ukraine.
"Already now, we are actively preparing for the integration of the Ukrainian economy into the EU internal market, conduct the necessary reforms to strengthen democracy and the rule of law based on our shared values," he said.
However, he stressed, in order to create the FTA, adequate support from the EU to the process of modernization of the Ukrainian economy is needed. "Signing the Association Agreement is in the interests of both Ukraine and the EU member states. It brings advantages to major trade partners of Ukraine [in the EU], among which the leader is Poland," he said.
The President also noted that any agreement’s effectiveness depends on the efforts of all parties. In response to Ukraine's readiness to conduct large-scale reforms and implement European standards, we expect of our partners greater mutual trust and openness to the European future of Ukraine, he said. A test of the European Union's readiness to develop trusting and open relations with Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych called the visa dialogue. "I am convinced that Ukraine’s progress in implementing the EU requirements should embody in the quickest possible liberalization of visa regulations for Ukraine," he said.
Currently, said Viktor Yanukovych, Ukraine is ready to immediately proceed to the stage of signing and subsequent ratification of the Agreement. "We look forward to a constructive and pragmatic approach of our European partners to this issue," the President concluded.
