Ukraine's President called Angela Merkel

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.