Victor Yushchenko has taken part in a ceremony to decorate Javier Solana,
Secretary General of the EU Council, with the Order of Yaroslav the Wise. Deputy
Secretariat Chief of Staff Oleksandr Chalyy read out a decoration decree, President's press offce reported.
The President said the Order of Yaroslav the Wise, one of the country’s
highest awards, was given to those who contribute to the development of Ukraine
and its international promotion. Such has been Javier Solana’s contribution
since he was NATO secretary general, he said.
“Ukraine appreciates your efforts aimed at improving relations between
Ukraine and the European Union. We appreciate the dynamics of relations we have
had in the past few years,” he said.
Mr. Solana thanked the President for the award and praised the role he plays
in promoting Ukraine’s image in the international arena.
“I am convinced the citizens of Ukraine are the members of the European
family,” he said.
Mr. Yushchenko and Mr. Solana had met one-on-one before the ceremony to
discuss prospects for Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic integration.
