Ukraine and the UK are interested in deepening bilateral cooperation
2012-03-20 14:53:04
Ukraine and the UK are interested to intensify bilateral cooperation, especially economic. This was discussed during the meeting, Prime Minister of Ukraine Mykola Azarov with Malcolm Rifkind, the former State Secretary for Defence, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Kingdom.
"This year we will celebrate the 20th anniversary establishing diplomatic relations between Ukraine and the Great Britain," said Mykola Azarov expressed hope to develop new opportunities in bilateral cooperation.
Mykola Azarov informed that the Government of Ukraine from the first day of its activities made a bet on the recovery of the domestic market, which today managed to achieve. Over working time of the Government it have been carried out the pension and tax reforms (the result of last is a significant reduction the number of taxes and tax rates, establishing preferences in energy saving and energy efficiency areas). Prime Minister added that the Government had serious work on deregulation and reducing administrative pressure upon business dealing. At present it is prepared the reforms for land and agriculture. "All this has allowed us to restore economic growth. Already in 2010 we had 4.6% growth, and in 2011 about 5.2%," Mykola Azarov underlined.
At this he stressed that in the difficult financial and economic conditions within the framework of Ukraine's preparations to host the European Championships in 2012 in a short time it has been managed to build large infrastructure facilities: airports, bridges, roads.
In addition, the Government of Ukraine, continuing strategic Eurointegration course, carried out extensive work to prepare for the signing of agreements on free trade area, political association, visa-free regime with the European Union.
In turn, Malcolm Rifkind focused on the importance of the UK's business presence in Ukraine, including interest in increasing investment to Ukraine.
In addition, Malcolm Rifkind addressing to Mykola Azarov, said: "I am glad to hear that land reform and reform in agriculture - is part of the reforms that you offer."