Yanukovych: Ukraine and Greece are to significantly intensify bilateral relations

Commenting on the results of his meeting with President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias, held in Athens on June 6, President Viktor Yanukovych told journalists that Ukraine and Greece should significantly strengthen their bilateral relations, in particular, their cooperation in tourism.

"We agreed with the Greek President to greatly intensify our relations. To do that, we need to elaborate a number of agreements at the level of intergovernmental commission," said Viktor Yanukovych. According to him, having tourism potential, Ukraine is extremely interested in great experience of Greece in this field. "We would like to sign several agreements that would open this way for us," he said.

In particular, Viktor Yanukovych mentioned introduction of tourist ferry transportation between Ukraine and Greece. "A system, which could improve the quality of tourism and create appropriate conditions for tourists, should be established," stressed President Yanukovych, adding that the fact that we are to host Euro 2012 Finals could also contribute to the popularity of the project.

Viktor Yanukovych also said that in the nearest future a separate law on Crimea development will be considered. "Today the Autonomous Republic of Crimea significantly lags behind its neighbors in tourism development," said the President. According to him, there is an urgent need for construction of a bridge connecting the Crimean peninsula and the Krasnodar region of Russia. In President’s view, a new transport corridor will increase a number of tourists visiting Ukraine.

"Crimea is a very interesting region with ancient history, and it certainly must be open to the world. We must discuss all these issues," concluded the President.