The Meeting between President of Ukraine Viktor Yushchenko and President of Slovak Republic Ivan Gašparovič on bilateral cooperation was held in Uzhgorod yesterday. President's press office reports.
During the talks sides focused on different aspects of cooperation between Ukraine and Slovakia. Both Presidents affirmed high importance of bilateral releations between Ukraine and Slovakia.
First of all high officials raised the question of an agreement on local cross-border movement. Sides affirmed that this agreement is almost ready and needs only internal concordance procedures within both states. Ivan Gašparovič added that his state needs to coordinate main aspects of the agreement with the EU as Slovakia is a member of the Schengen agreement.
Much attention was paid to energy cooperation. Sides discussed future Kyiv Energy Summit scheduled on May 22-23, 2008, possibilities of Caspian oil transportation through Slovak territory by means of “Druzhba” pipeline as well as Ukrainian electricity export to Slovakia. Regarding electricity export Presidents informed that they will put a task before responsible Ministries in both countries to examine possible common grounds in that field in 2 to 3 weeks term.
Viktor Yushchenko and Ivan Gašparovič also discussed European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations of Ukraine along with Ukraine’s future joining the WTO. President of Slovakia assured Viktor Yushchenko that his country has always been an active supporter of these aspirations.
Heads of states have dwelled on humanitarian cooperation as well. Among the discussed subjects was status of Ukrainian and Slovak national minorities in Slovakia and Ukraine respectively. To improve cooperation in that field sides have reached an agreement to open Ukrainian and Slovak cultural centers.
