Ukraine's leading English-language newspaper since 1995

MUNICH - Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, at a meeting in Munich on Saturday, discussed the outlook for Ukrainian-American relations and regional security problems, Tymoshenko's spokeswoman, Maryna Soroka, told reporters.

During the meeting, held on the fringes of the 45th annual Munich Security Conference, Tymoshenko offered congratulations on Barack Obama's "brilliant victory" at the presidential election and said his presidency meant "new opportunities for closer partnership with Ukraine."

Biden said he had considered it essential to meet with the Ukrainian premier during what is his first visit to Europe in his vice-presidential capacity. He credited Ukraine with successes and development prospects that largely determine the region's future.

He also commended Tymoshenko's role in settling the Ukrainian-Russian gas row and invited Tymoshenko to visit the United States.