Yanukovych: Ukraine, India should develop bilateral relations

Ukraine considers India as one of the most important partners in South Asia, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has said during a meeting with Indian Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid in New Delhi on Monday.

"We are ready to work together with you in order to find common interests in the spheres of economy that are traditionally strong for us," the president said.

He added that he would like to hear India's proposals on cooperation in the spheres that are interesting to it.

Yanukovych noted that Ukraine appreciates cooperation with India within international organizations, especially in the United Nations.

He praised the effective working dialogue between the Ukrainian and Indian foreign ministries.

"It is really correct, and I welcome it," Yanukovych said.

In turn, the Indian foreign minister noted that today the countries have many issues to discuss.

"I would like to hear your proposals on the ways in which we could develop our relations, how we could strengthen our friendship and expand economic cooperation in order to raise it to a higher level," Khurshid said.

The minister also noted that the countries should intensify their political dialogue on the high level.

As reported, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych will be on a state visit to India on December 9-12.

During the visit, Yanukovych intends to discuss a range of issues of Ukrainian-Indian cooperation, especially in the trade, economic, scientific, technical, investment, cultural and humanitarian areas.

The program of the visit also involves Yanukovych's participation in the Ukrainian-Indian Business Forum, which will contribute to the development of direct contacts between the businessmen of Ukraine and India, as well as the implementation of mutually beneficial projects.

A joint statement by the heads of states will be issued as the result of the visit, and a number of bilateral documents are expected to be signed, in particular, ones on the provision of mutual legal assistance, cooperation in science and technology, nuclear safety, and health.