Portuguese President Anibal Cavaco Silva said Monday that he supports Ukraine`s accession bid to the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), according to Xinhua. After meeting with Ukrainian President Victor Yushchenko in the Belen Palace, Cavaco Silva told the press that Ukraine has played an active role in maintaining peace and stability in Europe.
"President Victor Yushchenko is an example for all those who love liberty, democracy and law," Cavaco Silva said, adding that Portugal is a friend of Ukraine.
Cavaco Silva did not mention when the negotiations for Ukraine`s accession to NATO would be concluded though Yushchenko said he was optimistic that the talks could be finished by the end of this year.
Yushchenko said Kiev always felt the support of Lisbon for Ukraine`s future accession to NATO and the EU.
Ukraine became the 152nd country to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) in May after a 14-year marathon negotiation.
