Victor Yushchenko phoned German Chancellor Angela
Merkel, President's press office reported.
They spoke about economic and regional issues, especially how
to develop Ukraine’s ties with the European Union and Germany in particular.
“Germany appreciates Ukraine’s important role in Europe,” Ms.
Merkel said, expressing support for our country’s Euro-Atlantic bid.
She promised to help Ukraine sign a new agreement with the EU
in 2007, when Germany presides in it.
“We support the President’s idea to implement concrete projects
to help Ukraine integrate into the European Union,” she added.
Yushchenko and Merkel discussed energy and
environmental projects, particularly in the context of Germany’s G8 presidency
in 2007.
The President insisted that talks on the creation of a gas
consortium between Ukraine, Russia and Germany be resumed. He also said Germany
could use our natural gas depots.
Yushchenko and Merkel agreed to conduct the sixth
top-level consultations between the two countries and to reanimate the bilateral
Economic Group. The Head of State then invited Germany’s Economy Minister to
Ukraine.
