Following Ukrainian-Canadian talks, President Victor Yushchenko and Mrs. Michaelle Jean, Governor General of Canada held joint press conference.
Speaking to journalists President Yushchenko informed them on the subjects sides have discussed during the talks and said that “the conversation was absolutely open and frank”.
According to Victor Yushchenko one of important questions discussed was liberalization of visa regulations for Ukrainians travelling to Canada. He reminded that Ukraine has introduced visa free entrance for Canadians back in 2005. “I hope we will have a dialogue on this question. Our diplomats and external political departments will elaborate appropriate procedure for the talks process and we will reach positive results in this direction”, - said Victor Yushchenko.
Victor Yushchenko informed that sides have discussed fighting global financial crisis. “We have a clear understanding that these challenges are not only national but international too”, - he said adding that both sides affirmed importance of uniting efforts in fighting the crisis.
Also President Yushchenko said that sides have dedicated much of their attention to discussing elaboration of Ukrainian-Canadian relations Roadmap. According to him foreign policy departments of the two states have already received suggestions on preparation of the document. “We hope that governments of the two states, both central and local, would work on the necessary documents and come up with a joint action plan”, - he said.
Separately President Yushchenko thanked Canadian side for its continuous support of Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations and expressed appreciation about successful development of numerous humanitarian projects.
From her part the Governor General stressed that her visit to Ukraine aimed to demonstrate friendliness of relations between our states and respect towards independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. She said that in such a hard time for the world the only way to overcome the crisis is to unite efforts. “There is no better time to reaffirm our solidarity than these hard times”, - Mrs. Michaelle Jean said. She also affirmed Canada’s support of Ukraine’s aspiration to join NATO and conduct further democratic reforms.
