OREANDA-NEWS. April 05, 2013. Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov said that Ukraine is an important economic partner and has much to offer to the countries of the European Union. He said this during a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers.

"We are convinced that Ukraine really is an important economic partner for Hungary. As, of course, for other EU countries. We have much to offer on equal terms", Mykola Azarov said, commenting on the results of his official visit to the Republic of Hungary.

He noted that there have been very positive and promising talks with the President, Prime Minister and Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Hungary.

"It is noteworthy that the positive was reinforced by the fact that on the day of the visit the Ukrainian-Hungarian border went first gas from the European spot market to Ukraine. It is without exaggeration a very important event. The real breakthrough in the direction of energy independence of Ukraine," Mykola Azarov said, announcing the agreement with Prime Minister Viktor Orban to develop a few more lines of transportation of hydrocarbons.

"The existing opportunities allow importing at least 2 billion cubic meters per year, but according to experts estimate that capacity can be increased up to five times - to 10 billion cubic meters. We greatly appreciate the fundamental and friendly solution of Hungary, which has allowed importing gas from the European market to Ukraine", Mykola Azarov said.

The Prime Minister also informed that they have discussed the prospect of increasing electricity exports to Hungary, the development of transit potential, modernizing border crossings and increase their number, cross-border cooperation (especially in emergencies), tourism, etc. "Our bilateral cooperation is growing," he noted.