After the talks between Polish and Ukrainian side President Victor Yushchenko of Ukraine and President Lech Kaczyński of Poland made a joint statement for press, according to the President`s press-office.
Telling about today’s talks President Yushchenko said that one of the main questions discussed, was Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations. With regard to that he expressed expectancies that the Polish side would support Ukraine on its path towards accession to NATO Membership Target Plan. Victor Yushchenko reemphasized that he does not see any perspectives for Ukrainian national security and sovereignty outside country’s participation in a collective security model. He also stressed that when Ukraine is close to accession to NATO, the question whether it joins the Alliance or not would be brought out to national referendum. “Let us yet, however, do our best within the framework of the Membership Target Plan”, - he added.
When speaking about those aspects of Polish-Ukrainian bilateral cooperation, which have been discussed during the talks, including boarder cooperation President Yushchenko said that he expects the Agreement on local boarder movement with Poland to be signed in late March, 2008.
Other questions discussed were liberalization of visa regime in view of EURO 2012, energy security and Kyiv Energy Summit, regional cooperation between the states, etc.
President Yushchenko noted overall openness and high dynamics of the bilateral relations between the countries. “I am deeply proud of the relations. I am firmly optimistic and assured that they will be gaining dynamics and new substance further”, - he added.
From his part President Kaczyński expressed his opinion about the talks as “highly prolific” saying also that today the sides discussed a range of very specific subjects. Speaking about Poland’s attitude towards Ukraine’s NATO aspirations President Kaczyński stressed that his country fully supports the decision of Ukraine to join the Membership Target Plan. According to him Poland will also make active steps within the time left until Bucharest NATO Summit to make sure Ukraine hears positive signal from the Alliance.
