MOSCOW - Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has said that trade and economic issues between Russia and Ukraine must be settled on a partnership basis.
"We have a great volume of trade and economic relations, a very deep degree of cooperation, but, as you and we understand, we are living in market conditions, and each country defends its own interests. Of course, all this should be done in a partner-like manner, but there are things that are much deeper and more important," Putin said at a government meeting.
That applies to our historical roots and shared culture, he said. "We have yet to discuss an agreement that will solidify the regulatory framework for Russian information and cultural centers in Ukraine and for the Ukrainian ones in Russia, accordingly," Putin said.
Among the issues on the government’s agenda is the strengthening of humanitarian contacts with Ukrainian partners.
