OREANDA-NEWS. February 07, 2012. Prime Minister Mykola Azarov stressed that relations between Ukraine and the United States are strategic. This was started by the Head of Government during a meeting with Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Philip Gordon.

"We consider relations with the U.S. as strategic. We do a lot so between the two countries is an atmosphere of trust. And so I always frank and open" - Mykola Azarov said.

At the same time the Head of Government emphasized that Ukraine has done much to realize the potential of strategic partnership.

Mykola Azarov noted that Ukraine has passed to the U.S. highly enriched uranium, froze certain supply of dual-use equipment, despite significant economic losses.

According to him today the Government of Ukraine is focusing that on one side to hold reforms and on the other - to ensure economic growth in the country.

During the meeting the parties discussed in detail the energy policy of Ukraine, which is based on reducing dependence on imported energy and the development of domestic energy base, including the participation of foreign investors. Mykola Azarov stressed that Ukraine is thoroughly fulfills its obligations as a transit state, moreover, is ready to assist Russian partners to recognize their difficulties with the supply of specified volumes of gas to Europe.

In turn, the Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs confirmed that the United States supports all efforts of Ukraine to be a reliable and transparent energy transit country to Europe.