Ukraine views Finnish presidency in the EU in second half of 2006 as very important for further development of Ukraine - EU relations, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Borys Tarasyuk said at a meeting with his Finnish counterpart Erkki Tuomioja on Wednesday, according to Ukrinform.

      The Ukrainian Foreign Minister briefed his Finnish opposite number about internal political developments in Ukraine confirmed that European integration remain Ukraine`s foreign political priority.

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      The main purpose of Ukraine is reaching European standards and creating internal prerequisites for further integration of Ukraine to the European Union, the Minister stressed.

      The parties to the meeting discussed Ukraine - EU agenda during Finland`s presidency.

      The two diplomats exchanged opinions on prospects of concluding a European agreement on association between Ukraine and the EU, as a new basal agreement.

      Messrs Tarasyuk and Tuomioja also discussed preparations for an official visit by President Viktor Yushchenko to Finland and the agenda of the 10th Ukraine - EU summit, slated for October 27 in Helsinki.