Kyiv, 10 July 2008
The official visit to Ukraine of the President of Malta Dr. Edward Fenech-Adami took place upon the invitation of the President of Ukraine Mr. Viktor Yushchenko. This visit highlights the further development of the Ukrainian-Maltese relations, outlining our common values and interests, including the further liberalization of the economy; safeguarding democracy; the respect for human rights and rule of law; the support for innovation and technological progress, in particular, with the aim to ensure sustainable development. During our discussion of today the common priorities on which we aim to cooperate on in the future were determined.
Strengthening of bilateral cooperation by means of exchanges and visits
Ukraine and Malta have agreed to increase their political dialogue, through high level visits between the two countries. These visits will initiate regular political contacts between the leaders, high officials and representatives of legislative bodies of Ukraine and Malta.
Both the Ukrainian and the Maltese sides are convinced that this visit will give an additional impetus to the deepening of cooperation in trade, economic and investment spheres.
In the spirit of enhancing bilateral relations, Ukraine and Malta will, in the nearest future, take steps to conclude and sign a number of bilateral agreements which will reap mutual benefits to both sides.
The Ukrainian and Maltese Sides express their hope that the First Ukrainian-Maltese Business Forum held at the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry during this visit, will be an important step towards improving bilateral economic and investment cooperation between Malta and Ukraine.
Both States confirm that cultural and humanitarian cooperation, youth and professional exchanges, and an increased cultural cooperation between the two countries should be an important aspect of bilateral cooperation.
Enhancing the integration of Ukraine to European and international organizations
Ukraine and Malta are also committed to cooperate actively on a multilateral level, in the framework of international organizations and fora. Ukraine and Malta are ready to join efforts in combating the challenges which today's world is facing and work together to possibly find a solution to important issues such as energy security, the fight against international terrorism, the fight against organized crime and illegal immigration, climate changes and the environment amongst others.
The Presidents of Ukraine and Malta are convinced that it is in the interests of both States that the process of enhancing of relations between Ukraine and the European Union continues. In this respect, Malta is ready to support Ukraine in its efforts for political and economic reform in conformity with EU agreed standards.
Acknowledging Ukraine's substantial progress in the key political and economic reforms, aimed at strengthening of democracy, stability and well-being of the Ukrainian society, the Sides express in favour of the need to develop Ukraine-EU relations in the direction of more enhanced political association and economic integration.
Ukraine's recent accession to the World Trade Organization has opened the way for negotiations on a Free Trade Area with the EU as an integral part of the new EU-Ukraine agreement which is currently being negotiated. This will further integrate Ukraine's economy within the European economy to the mutual benefit of both sides.
Commemoration of the Holodomor of the years 1932-33 in Ukraine
Ukraine and Malta will cooperate in the framework of international organizations such as the United Nations, the OSCE, and the Council of Europe, to increase the international community's awareness on certain events which have taken place in Ukraine, such as the tragic events of Holodomor, and will work together to ensure that such tragedies will not repeat themselves in the future.
