Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych and people's artist of Ukraine, Russia and the Soviet Union Iosif Kobzon have discussed current issues of cooperation between Ukraine and Russia in the sphere of culture, the press service of the head of state reported on Friday.
Yanukovych congratulated Kobzon on the birth of his grandson and gave him some Ukrainian books.
"He [the grandson] is Ukrainian in some degree, so the children’s poetry by Ivan Franko, a collection of Ukrainian fairy tales, and "The night before Christmas" by Nikolai Gogol will be interesting for the child to read… and read in the Ukrainian language," the president said.
The head of state also presented an embroidered shirt as a gift to Kobzon, which he obtained at the National Sorochyntsi Fair. The artist promised to wear it at a performance attended by President Yanukovych.
"If you come to the concert I will of course wear your embroidered shirt," said Kobzon.
