Arbuzov: Association with EU is strategic choice of Ukraine

All of Ukraine’s efforts are aimed at the signing of the Association Agreement with the European Union, first deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine Serhiy Arbuzov said at a meeting with German foreign minister Guido Westerwelle in Berlin on Wednesday, Arbuzov’s press service reports.

"Ukraine is standing at the key point of its way towards the Vilnius summit in November. Association with the European Union is our civilized choice. We hope that Germany will say its cogent word in favor of our association," Arbuzov noted, Interfax-Ukraine informed.

He stressed that today all efforts of the Ukrainian government are aimed at the fulfillment of its obligations outlined during the EU-Ukraine Summit and recommendations of the Council of the European Union in order to sign the agreement.

According to Arbuzov, the priority tasks of the Ukrainian government include improving the country’s election legislation, reforms in the systems of justice and law enforcement, fight against corruption, improvement of the business climate and fulfillment of the Association Agenda.

"A number of anti-corruption laws have been passed, the Criminal Code and the Criminal Procedures Code have been amended. The government is working consistently on the creation of comfortable conditions of businesses in Ukraine," Arbuzov said.

He added that Ukraine considers Germany as an important partner considering Berlin’s important role in the EU.

In turn, Westerwelle said that Germany is interested in Ukraine’s European development. He also expressed hope that the Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius will bring results, the main of which should be the signing of the Association Agreement.

In connection with this, the German foreign minister praised the Ukrainian government’s efforts aimed at the fulfillment of the tasks necessary for the signing of the agreement.

The press service also reported that Arbuzov met with Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister of Economics and Technology of Germany Philipp Rosler following the meeting with Westerwelle. The sides discussed economic cooperation between Ukraine and Germany and their prospects for development of trade and economic potential.

Arbuzov is also planning to meet with representatives of big German companies on Wednesday.