Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov and German Ambassador to Ukraine Hans-Jurgen Heimsoeth have discussed the prospects for cooperation between the two countries, according to a statement posted on the Web site of the Cabinet of Ministers.
The meeting between the premier and the ambassador took place on
Friday ahead of the official end of Heimsoeth’s diplomatic mission in
Ukraine.
Azarov said that Ukraine had always attached special importance to cooperation with Germany.
“I’m pleased to note that trade between our countries is growing,” he said.
Azarov said that he was personally monitoring issues related to the development of cooperation with Germany.
“We’re attaching great importance to issues of cooperation and
economic issues. For example, Deputy Prime Minister Sergiy Tigipko is
responsible for the economic area of cooperation with Germany. I devote a
lot of time to considering these issues, in particular, German
investment,” Azarov said, adding that he has regular meetings with
German business representatives and German politicians.
He said that Ukraine hopes to develop both political and economic relations with Germany in future.
“We’re committed to strengthening our cooperation with Germany. The
German government should have no doubt about that. Any major economic
projects will be supported,” Azarov said.
The sides also confirmed their mutual interest in the intensive integration of Ukraine into the European Union.
“We’re very interested in signing agreements with the European Union
on association, the creation of a free trade area and the introduction
of a visa-free regime. These are fundamental values for us,” Azarov
said.
He thanked the German ambassador for his cooperation and added that Ukraine would welcome him at any time.
Heimsoeth, in turn, noted the high managerial qualities of Azarov and his statesmanship.
“I have always appreciated all meetings with you, even from the time
when you were not head of government. I think you have always known what
is important and what has to be done for this country. You possess
nationally minded thinking and consciousness.”
The ambassador also expressed hope that Ukraine and Germany would more fully realize the potential of bilateral cooperation.
“It’s important that we develop cooperation in various spheres,
including in the economic sphere,” the diplomat said. In addition, he
noted that Germany sees Ukraine as an important country and wishes it to
get closer to the EU.
