Transcript of the beginning of the meeting:
Viktor Yanukovich: Mr Medvedev, I’m glad to see you in Kiev in your new capacity as prime minister. As I understand it, you’ve come to pass your verdict on the issues that we are preparing for the inter-government commission. We’ve discussed many issues with you and you know my position. I’m convinced we will make progress on all fronts. Our sub-commissions which have been working throughout this period between the meetings of the inter-government commission have prepared a whole raft of proposals that are ready to be discussed and decided upon. I think you will have a productive meeting today with your Ukrainian counterpart Mykola Azarov.
I’d like to discuss a number of sensitive issues with you, especially concerning our trade and economic relations. Needless to say, I’m still deeply concerned about the gas issue and the ongoing global economic crisis.
It would be very important for us to know your position and the opportunities to coordinate our efforts in order to minimise potential problems that may arise in our economies. As strategic partners, we need to think together about how we can integrate our economies. There have been, are and, I hope, always will be close ties between the different industries of our two countries. I don’t want to go into details here…. We know full well that the growth of our economies and budget revenues will depend on our ability to coordinate this work.
Dmitry Medvedev: Mr Yanukovych, I’m also very happy to see you again. Indeed, the agenda of Russian-Ukrainian cooperation is always packed. It always contains positive items and it’s a pleasure to talk about them. Last year our trade grew to $50 billion, which is an impressive figure. Neither Russia nor Ukraine may be entirely happy about the structure of their trade, but nevertheless we deserve credit for this achievement. Everything is more difficult this year but I think we can take steps to try to rectify the situation.
Of course, it is very important to move forward in the areas of cooperation we have always discussed with you. We are discussing all issues at the presidential and prime ministerial levels, ranging from technological cooperation and the setting up of new production facilities to the complex issues of energy cooperation, including the gas issue. I'm certain we will discuss this today. Obviously, I will continue this discussion with Prime Minister Azarov.
As far as our strategy is concerned, it remains quite clear for our country. We are focused on the comprehensive development of strategic cooperation with Ukraine as our closest neighbour and partner. For a variety of reasons, we simply have no grounds for reviewing our strategic priorities.
We assume our Ukrainian partners will take the same stance. Yes, we have considered establishing new integrative partnerships; there are a number of economic issues. But I think even those issues that are difficult aren't difficult because they can't be solved, but because the future is so dependent on them... And I understand why, for example, Ukraine often takes such a cautious position on many issues. But sooner or later, we will have to deal with these issues. I would like us to continue discussing them in a friendly manner. Naturally, I am ready to cooperate in many areas, even more so because, as you rightly pointed out, the international situation, unfortunately, is not looking very bright.
I have recently come into contact with many officials at different levels, which confirmed my assumption that our economic future will not be easy. We will have to make decisions that are hard sometimes, even extreme, if we want to support our economies. But such decisions should be taken jointly, taking into account and combining both our approaches together, so let's discuss this too. And finally of course, thank you for inviting me here.
Viktor Yanukovych: Thank you, Mr Medvedev.