OREANDA-NEWS. April 29, 2013. For the first time in Ukraine, in Dnipropetrovsk region a Conference of the Assembly of European Regions (AER) started work. Around 200 deputies from over 25 world countries are participating in the event. These are deputies of European Parliament, leaders of diplomatic institutions, governors of regions of the EU countries, heads of Ukraine’s regions and representatives of other member states of the Eastern Partnership Initiative.

On opening the work of the conference a Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine Olexandr Vilkul read congratulation from President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych.

“I sincerely congratulate organizers and participants of the International Conference of the Assembly of European Regions. This event is a landmark for Ukraine, as European integration is conducted through intensifying of interregional ties. It is especially pleasant that the Conference takes place just on the territory of Dnipropetrovsk region – in the industrial heart of the country, a cradle of rocket building, business and scientific centre of our state. I am convinced that today’s assembly will become a good chance for exchange with experience and ideas, launch of new mutually beneficial projects, will facilitate the development of interregional cooperation. I wish a fruitful work and successful introduction of all the ideas,” reads the congratulation of President of Ukraine Viktor Fedorovych Yanukovych.

“Eurointegration of Ukraine starts at the level of regions. Our joint projects in economics and culture confirm that there is no alternative to this integration and cannot be. Ukraine has chosen integration and is building partnership relations with its neighbors,” Olexandr Vilkul said.  

“Last year Dnipropetrovsk region hosted a Conference of the Eastern Partnership countries which was organized by Olexandr Vilkul. We were present at the event and clearly saw a wish of Olexandr Vilkul and the AER to make further steps. And today’s conference is just such a step,” Secretary General of the Assembly of European Regions Pascal Goergen stressed.

AER is a European interstate organization set up in 1985. It unites regions of various countries.