News
11.04.2011
Azarov: Ukraine seeking to find optimal formula of cooperation with Customs Union countries
Ukraine wants to determine a formula for further cooperation with the Customs Union countries (Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan), but is not interested in opposing the respective talks to the creation of a free trade area with the European Union, Prime Minister Mykola Azarov has said.
"It's very important for us to understand the formula of our relations with the Customs Union - Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan," he said at a meeting with German journalists in Kyiv on Monday, adding that these countries ensure a significant portion of foreign trade.
Azarov said that he was not inclined to oppose the respective consultations to the negotiations on the creation of a free trade area with the EU.
"Some people really want to oppose these two processes. But nothing will come out of it. We have our own trade and economic interests in the European Union, and there are also important interests in relations with the Customs Union - Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan," he said.
"We want to find a formula that would suit, first of all, us and suit our partners. The interests of Ukraine have always been and will always be in first place," Azarov said.
He noted that the EU could be characterized as a customs union of its member states.
Read more: http://www.kyivpost.com/news/politics/detail/102091/#ixzz1JDr08bkA
