In a telephone conversation with the acting Prime Minister of Ukraine Mykola Azarov, EU's first High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton announced that Brussels is ready to hold EU-Ukraine summit in Luxembourg in summer of 2013. Ashton also believes the Association Agreement may be signed in Vilnius at the Eastern Partnership Summit in November 2013.
According to the Cabinet’s press service, Ashton informed Azarov of conclusions of the European Council on Foreign Relations regarding Ukraine.
According to her, the Council confirmed the involvement of Ukraine in cooperation in the field of political association and economic integration based on shared values.
Ashton expressed confidence that Ukraine will successfully carry out the agenda for the association and ensure reform of the electoral law, the judiciary and the constitutional reforms.
Azarov thanked the representative of the EU for the desire to lead a constructive and frank dialogue and a positive assessment of the prospects of cooperation between Ukraine and the EU.
He also praised the decision of the European Council on Foreign Relations and said that it is a good signal for the further deepening of cooperation. Azarov said that Ukraine is determined to carry out the association agenda and to sign the agreement. "We are also ready to launch new form of dialogue with the EU to reform the justice system, improve the electoral legislation, improve the business climate in Ukraine," he said.
The parties have agreed to maintain a constant personal dialogue to prepare the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement signing, including the creation of deep and comprehensive free trade area.
