Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has forecast that an agreement on visa-free travel between Ukraine and the European Union will be signed by the end of this year.
"We need to prepare technically and methodologically for the introduction of visa-free travel with the European Union and the agreement that we could sign before the end of this year," he said at a meeting to mark the Day of Border Guards in Kyiv on Wednesday.
At the same time, Yanukovych said that in June, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine should adopt the laws needed for the introduction of a visa free regime between Ukraine and the European Union, as well as to create a free trade zone with the EU.
The president stressed the need for full automation of all the checkpoints on the Ukrainian border.
He also assured that the government would find the means to continue the technical equipping of the country’s border checkpoints.
"We need to fully automate the border procedures and increase the level of interaction with the border agencies of neighboring countries. We will find the funds to continue technically equip the borders in accordance with international standards," Yanukovych said.
