OREANDA-NEWS. April 28, 2011. President Viktor Yanukovych has conducted talks with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev at the Zalissia State Residence.

At the beginning of the meeting the Ukrainian President thanked his Russian counterpart for the active participation of the Russian delegation in the events to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Chornobyl tragedy.

It is important that there was "an inextricable link" of generations – between the liquidators, who sacrificed their lives 25 years ago mitigating the consequences of the Chornobyl accident, and those living today, Viktor Yanukovych said.

The President highlighted the importance of cooperation with Russia on the Chornobyl issues, such as the construction of the Shelter or the work of the Chornobyl Fund.

"Russia, as our neighbor, partner, and friend, takes part in that. This is very important ... Thank you very much!" he said.

President Yanukovych also said today's meeting is a good opportunity to discuss bilateral relations between Ukraine and Russia, particularly the preparations for the fifth meeting of the Ukrainian-Russian Intergovernmental Commission scheduled for June.

"There are areas where we have advanced much," Viktor Yanukovych said. The President noted that the trade turnover between Ukraine and Russia has increased to almost USD 42 billion from USD 15 billion in 2009.

"We still have a lot of questions that we should resolve together with you," the Ukrainian President said.

For his part, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said that the place he and his Ukrainian counterpart have just visited "has become a symbol of huge disaster, which was fought against together" by the citizens of the then one common country.

"It is of course our common tragedy and a common problem that is still felt," Dmitry Medvedev said.

He stressed that Russia will continue to cooperate with Ukraine in mitigating the Chornobyl accident consequences, in particular, by supporting the construction of the Shelter.

Referring to the bilateral agenda between Ukraine and Russia, Dmitry Medvedev said that it is "as always, rich".

There are more than enough questions awaiting discussion, the President of Russia said, adding that it is about new projects and current challenges both.

"One thing is for sure: our relations are out of crisis – both interpersonal and economic," the Russian President said.

He said that the substantial growth in trade between the two countries is a proof of that. "But that does not mean we have no more questions for discussion. The teams are working... The Russian delegation is ready for a comprehensive discussion," Dmitry Medvedev said.