Kyiv and Ottawa Again Declare Special Partnership

Foreign Ministers Anatoly Zlenko of Ukraine and John Manley of Canada signed a joint declaration on the further development of special partnership between Ukraine and Canada on December 5 in Kyiv. The Canadian minister told a press conference that this declaration was an updated and improved document that provides a solid basis for the improvement of economic, scientific, technical, and security cooperation. Mr. Manley noted, incidentally, that Canada appreciated Ukraine’s stand on the struggle against terrorism.

High on the agenda of talks between the Ukrainian leadership and the Canadian minister was the issue of Ukraine’s membership in the World Trade Organization. Ukraine regards cooperation with Canada as “an inseparable part of its integration into the world economic system on the basis of democratic and transparent principles and a contemporary market economy,” UNIAN quotes Ukrainian Prime Minister Anatoly Kinakh as telling Mr. Manley. In his turn, Mr. Manley pointed out that Canada was relieved by the current economic situation in Ukraine and that he sincerely welcomed the way in which Ukraine was now marching toward a market economy and democratic society. Simultaneously, he noted that Canada and Ukraine might have closer economic ties so that more Canadian businessmen could work in Ukraine.

Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs also said there are still unused opportunities and problems in the relations between Ukraine and Canada (he spoke in particular about a firm still unable to get its property back and about case of “a humanitarian character” being heard in a Ukrainian court).

According to Minister Manley, Canada is interested in further negotiations between Ukraine and the EBRD about a loan to finish construction of the Rivne and Khmelnytsky nuclear power units and hopes these will be successful with due regard for both sides’ interests.