Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych announced this in an interview with reporters in New Delhi on December 10, the press service of the head of state reported.

"The intensification of our relations will strengthen both sides," the president said, adding that this issue is "very relevant" in a period when the global economy is going through difficult times. "It is very important for us, because we need markets, and we need to create proper conditions for our enterprises and business in various sectors," Yanukovych said.

The president noted that the Ukrainian-Indian intergovernmental commission on trade, economic, scientific, technical, industrial and cultural cooperation, which resumed its work, would be an effective mechanism for enhancing cooperation between the two countries. "This is an effective instrument, enabling to work out various issues in various sectors," he said, noting that the issue concerns government agencies and businesses. He added that the intergovernmental commission would also consider expanding the legal framework between the two countries.

Speaking about his state visit to India, the president said that the two sides had agreed on the need to strengthen bilateral cooperation. During the negotiations, the sides also agreed on the significant intensification of high-level contacts. Yanukovych said that he had invited the Indian prime minister to visit Ukraine and that he intended to make a similar invitation to the Indian president.

Yanukovych also emphasized the importance of holding joint business forums as an effective tool to increase investment activity and establish contacts between the two countries.

Ukrinform