President Victor Yushchenko and his wife Kateryna Yushchenko held a traditional reception for foreign diplomats working in Ukraine.
Other guests at the event were Verkhovna Rada Speaker Volodymyr Lytvyn, Foreign Minister Volodymyr Ohryzko, ex-Foreign Ministers, etc.
In his greeting word to those present the President summarized achievements Ukraine has made on international scene in 2008 and sketched foreign policy priorities for 2009.
President Yushchenko expressed hope that new positive shift would happen this year in Ukraine's relations with the EU, particularly in the question of Association Agreement signature.
In its relations with NATO Ukraine hopes for effective implementation of the yearly national program aimed at bringing our country closer to membership in the organization.
The President emphasized that for Ukraine it is very important to strengthen friendship with the United States based on Ukraine-US Strategic Partnership Agreement signed last year and Ukraine-US Roadmap.
Besides that, according to him, Ukraine would continue put efforts in strengthening its partnership with its neighbor countries and their consolidation around important regional issues.
The President also added that this year Ukraine would concentrate its attention more on development of ties with Australia and countries in Asia, Africa and South America.
"I believe that in the face of countries and organizations you represent, Ukraine will always be seeing support and solidarity. Our country is open to prolific dialogue and cooperation with you", - said Victor Yushchenko, wishing on behalf of Ukraine and Ukrainian nation welfare and prosperity to the foreign diplomats and their countries.
