OREANDA-NEWS. May 28, 2012. President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Medvedev discussed bilateral relations and plans for future contacts during a meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the United Russia party congress.

In particular, the Russian politicians assured their Ukrainian colleague that despite the recent changes in Russia’s leadership, the country’s relations with Ukraine would not change. Mr Putin and Mr Medvedev declared that they would meet regularly with their Ukrainian partners. A large number of meetings is planned for the near future. President Putin also said that he plans to meet with President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych.

Subjects discussed include joint projects in high-tech sectors, particularly in the aircraft industry. The parties discussed the manufacture of the aircraft [Antonov] An-70. "We need to make real steps toward integration, because without integration in such fields it is impossible to compete in international markets," President Putin emphasized.