President welcomes Putin for talks

Victor Yushchenko has welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin to the State Secretariat for talks expected to focus on trade, humanitarian and political issues, according to the President`s press-office.

The two leaders are now meeting tête-à-tête.

The Ukrainian President said, “We see this visit as a landmark in our relations. I hope our meeting today will help initiate the work of our bilateral commission.”

Mr. Putin thanked the colleague for the invitation.

“This was your idea to create such a commission. I think this idea is right, as it creates many good and constructive mechanisms for cooperation,” he said.

Mr. Yushchenko and Mr. Putin are expected to take part in a meeting of the Ukraine-Russia Commission.