Friday, October 17, 2008

Ukraine hoping for Poland's support in launching no-visa dialogue with EU - MFA

Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister Kostiantyn Yeliseev has met with Poland's National Security Bureau Head Wladyslaw Stasiak, the Foreign Affairs Ministry says on the web.

During the meeting the parties discussed the question of liberalizing relations between the two countries in regional policy, particularly, in the context of post-conflict restoration and stabilization in Georgia, and Ukraine's joining the European Union's observation mission to that country. They also exchanged the opinions of information and energy security in the region.

Attention was also paid to cooperation in European integration. Yeliseev thanked Poland for stable support to Ukraine's European choice, and voiced hope for prolongation of this policy. He also gave a positive assessment to the Polish - Swedish initiative of Eastern Partnership, expressing hope that its implementation will promote Ukraine's practical rapprochement with the European Union.

The parties discussed implementation of the Ukraine - European Union visa facilitation agreement. Yeliseev expressed concern that the situation with the issue of EU visas to Ukrainians much worsened, and the EU does not fully implement the agreement signed. He emphasized that Ukraine is trying to start a dialogue with the EU on the terms for visa-free regulations, and voiced hope for Poland's support to this position of Ukraine.