Ukrainian experts have put forward recommendations in a paper entitled "Ukraine's new foreign policy: four strategic priorities" for Ukrainian President Victor Yanukovych.
The recommendations were presented in the Interfax-Ukraine news agency on Wednesday with the participation of the leadership of the International Center for Policy Studies and the International Center for Policy Studies.
The experts said they had drawn up a "simple and flexible" plan of answers to future challenges for the Ukrainian president. Director of the International Center for Policy Studies Olha Shumylo told reporters that these recommendations would be given to Yanukovych next week, as well as to representatives of the Presidential Administration, the Foreign Ministry and the Interior Ministry of Ukraine.
The experts in their recommendations pointed out four strategic priorities in Ukraine’s foreign policy: the return of confidence in the state, the resumption of relations with Ukraine’s main partners (Russia, the European Union and the United States), the preservation of sovereignty and independence, and becoming an active and constructive player in the region.
Head of Foreign Policy Program at the International Center for Policy Studies Sacha Tessier-Stall said that a coordinated and single position of everyone who represents the country is needed in order to restore the confidence of Ukraine’s partners.
The leadership of the country also should build understanding that politicians in Ukraine are pro-Ukrainian, but not "pro-western" or "pro-Russian." Tessier-Stall also proposed to affirm positive image of Ukraine via bilateral and multilateral relations, assist in developing cultural diplomacy, and host the Euro 2012 European Football Championship at a worthy level.
In terms of relations with Russia, the EU and the United States, according to Tessier-Stall, these are the most important partners for Ukraine and good relations with them is an important condition for Ukraine’s security and development.
Apart from these recommendations, the "New foreign policy: views of analysts" publication was presented – a product of the joint work of the International Center for Policy Studies and the International Center for Policy Studies.
