Congratulating the honored guests on the beginning of their diplomatic missions in Ukraine, President Yanukovych said that he considers today's event as a new and important stage in development of Ukraine's relations with each of the states they represent.
"Since Ukraine became independent, development of equal and mutually beneficial relations with all regions and countries is a constant priority of Ukrainian foreign policy, which is now becoming more pragmatic, more realistic and targeted to specific tangible results," said Viktor Yanukovych, noting that the approach becomes especially important in difficult times of the global financial crisis, negative impact of which is felt by many countries.
"Strengthening economic vector of Ukrainian foreign policy, assisting the economy to overcome existing negative trends by strengthening relations with traditional partners and developing cooperation with the new ones, these tasks now take on special significance," added the President.
Speaking about cooperation with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Viktor Yanukovych noted that this country is Ukraine’s longtime partner in Asian region. "Our countries have a significant positive experience of cooperation," he said. However, the President emphasized that "We must give a new constructive impulse to our relations, in particular, through implementation of joint Ukrainian-Vietnamese projects in mining, energy, engineering and agriculture."
Viktor Yanukovych also stressed that the current government attaches importance to developing relations with Ukraine’s traditional partners and friends in Central Asia, including Turkmenistan.
"We are grateful to the Turkmen side for allowing Ukrainian companies to participate in construction of important national infrastructural facilities in Turkmenistan.
We hope to further intensify political dialogue with Turkmenistan and effectively deepen cooperation in all areas of mutual interest, especially in energy sector," said Viktor Yanukovych.
According to the President, he also attaches great importance to relations with one of the largest countries of Asia - the Islamic Republic of Iran.
"Trade and economic component of cooperation is Ukraine’s priority. I’m pleased to note that, given the volume of bilateral trade, Iran is one of our leading partners in the region," said Viktor Yanukovych.
"The range of our cooperation is quite broad. These are energy, transport infrastructure development, aerospace industry, agriculture, tourism, etc.," he said.
"We are watching with interest the development of such an ambitious project as construction of Pan-Arab railway. I think Ukrainian companies that have significant experience in this area have something to offer our Arab partners," he said.
Besides, he expressed confidence that special attention should also be dedicated to development of legal framework of the relations.
"From its part, Ukraine invites foreign investors to implementation of a number of projects in our state," said President Yanukovych, adding that first of all these are projects within the framework of Ukraine’s preparation to host Euro 2012.
"Given the significant potential for deepening bilateral relations with the Republic of Armenia, we should further strengthen political dialogue between the two countries.
Among the priorities of bilateral cooperation should also be the fastest possible restoration of pre-crisis volume of bilateral trade and its further strengthening," he said.
According to the President, cooperation between Ukraine and Iceland is very promising and its development should be stirred up by expanding legal framework.
"Ukraine is particularly interested in studying and applying the best practices in Iceland's energy saving technologies," said Viktor Yanukovych.
“You can always count on reliable partners and trusted friends in Ukraine. Our country is open to fruitful dialogue and cooperation," said Viktor Yanukovych, addressing the newly appointed Ambassadors.
"I am confident that your activities will promote the comprehensive development of friendship and cooperation between the states you represent and Ukraine. I sincerely wish you success in your responsible and honorable mission," he said.
From their part the Ambassadors expressed hope that relations between the countries they represent and Ukraine will continue to strengthen and develop.
