President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych and Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel Avigdor Lieberman have discussed the establishment of free trade area between the states and further development of efficient trade and economic cooperation, according to the Press office of President Viktor Yanukovych.“The discussion was about the establishment of free trade area and increasing trade volume between the states,” Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Kostyantyn Gryshchenko said after the meeting. “We believe that this year may bring about a billion (USD) of general exchange of goods and services,” he noted.
Kostyantyn Gryshchenko also stressed that Ukraine and Israel have made several important issues that are beneficial for the citizens off both countries. Particularly, it is about the establishment of visa-free regime. The Minister stressed that this issue is also important for the maintenance of contacts with our compatriots who at different times moved to Israel. "We maintain permanent and very productive dialogue with Israel at all levels," he stated.
According to the Minister, significant attention in the course of the meeting was paid to the situation in the Middle East. Kostyantyn Gryshchenko noted that several thousands of Ukrainians live in Syria and it is very important for Ukrainian government to know the view of Israel regarding the settlement of the situation.
The parties also discussed the issues of Ukrainian-Israel cooperation in scientific and technical sphere, enhancing human contacts, political dialogue. “It is an important factor for increasing our capabilities in the region and understanding the way to solve many problems and realize serious projects through people who maintain contacts with Ukraine,” the Minister said.
