OREANDA-NEWS. September 02, 2010. Ukraine considers Germany its strategic partner, President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych said today at a joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, which followed their talks.

"We open a new phase in relations between Ukraine and Germany, which will now be built on strict realization of the agreements that we will have at all levels and in all areas of our cooperation," he said. He expressed confidence that Germany is a strategic EU partner of our country, with which it can jointly discuss and realize a number of promising projects.

During his meeting with Angela Merkel, Viktor Yanukovych has dedicated particular attention to energy security and development of the Ukrainian gas transport system (GTS). "This is a very important issue, which should be open to debate, transparent, and we absolutely must find solutions that make instability of gas supply to Europe impossible in the future. For us it is a matter of principle," he said.

The President stressed that Ukraine is, and will be a reliable partner to Russia – the owner of gas, and to the EU – its consumer. "Besides, we see Germany as a partner in the future reconstruction of the Ukrainian GTS. And I made such a proposal today," Viktor Yanukovych said.

President Yanukovych also said that EU integration is a strategic direction for Ukraine, and today we are close to making very important decisions in that area. It is, above all, the Association Agreement, being prepared successfully in cooperation with the EU. "I hope this decision will be made soon," Viktor Yanukovych said.

Another important issue of Ukraine-EU relations, President Yanukovych said, is visa-free travel. "I believe this is a question to be resolved in the near future. It is promising. We are moving step by step in this direction," he said. The President also said that the agreement will be signed today between the Interior Ministries of Ukraine and Germany, which would facilitate preparation of a number of documents, fighting corruption and crime in both countries, etc. "This is a very useful agreement that will also be the basis for making decisions on introduction visa-free travel," Viktor Yanukovych said.

The sides also touched upon relations between Ukraine and NATO. In this context, the President noted the importance of a new concept of NATO relations with neutral countries. "It is important that non-allied states, such as Ukraine, found their place in creation of the European security system," he said.

Speaking of relations between Ukraine and Germany, the President noted that they will effectively develop. He pointed to importance of wider involvement of German investments in Ukraine, not only in infrastructural projects in preparation for Euro 2012, but also in other industries.

According to Viktor Yanukovych, during today's meeting he also raised the issue of preparation for the international conference on Chernobyl issues dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident. "We invite all our donors to participate in this international conference,” he said.

"We would also like this conference to include such subject as non-proliferation of nuclear materials in the world. It is a Ukrainian initiative. I hope we will have dialogue on this issue soon,” said the President of Ukraine, adding that the conference is scheduled for April 2011.

From her part, the German Chancellor expressed confidence that relations between our countries stand today on a good, solid foundation. "We have many opportunities to boost our relations," said Angela Merkel, adding that Germany is interested in continuation of democratic processes regarding the development of freedom of press in Ukraine.

Angela Merkel also stressed the possibility of increasing the effectiveness of economic cooperation between Ukraine and Germany. She reminded that the forum on energy issues is scheduled for autumn in Ukraine, which will play an important role in the context of energy policy. According to her, the question of Germany’s possible assistance in restructuring Ukraine’s gas market will be discussed, too.

Furthermore, said Angela Merkel, making comments on questions of foreign policy, Ukraine’s role in settlement of the Transnistrian conflict is very important. "We accept Ukraine's approach to cooperation with NATO," also said Angela Merkel – "This is a very pragmatic approach."

The Federal Chancellor of Germany expressed conviction that current visit of the Ukrainian President to Germany will certainly work to improve our contacts. She also said German side is interested in participating in projects of infrastructure development, associated with preparation of Ukraine to hosting Euro 2012.