They discussed economic and political cooperation between Ukraine and the United States, according to the President’s press-office. The Head of State dwelled on the issue of post-election coalition talks in our country. He optimistically declared that Ukraine’s parliamentary coalition and new government would both be formed by the end of June. Mr. Yushchenko added that he had met with all the poll winners and was now going to meet with leaders of coalition parties.
Speaking about Ukraine-U.S. relations, the Chief of State said Ukraine appreciated the level of its strategic partnership with the United States. In his turn, Mr. Cheney assured Mr. Yushchenko that the United States supported our democratic choice and would continue to support Ukraine`s reforms and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
Then they discussed energy policies. The President said the Ukrainian government had recently formulated energy strategy and was thereby eager to cooperate with the United States in the field of nuclear energy and energy efficiency.
They also discussed regional policies and particularly ways to settle the Trans-dniester conflict and conduct a GUAM summit in Kyiv this May.
When speaking about foreign policies, Mr. Yushchenko stated that Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic course would not change. He reiterated, however, that Russia was our strategic partner and so Ukraine was interested to develop friendly and mutually beneficial relations with its northern neighbor.
Mr. Yushchenko and Mr. Cheney also spoke about George Bush’s upcoming visit to Ukraine.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Borys Tarasyuk and Secretariat Chief of Staff Oleh Rybachuk were present at the meeting.
