Victor Yushchenko and his wife hosted yesterday an annual reception
for foreign diplomats at Kyiv’s Mariinsky Palace, president's press office reported.
Ambassadors, envoys, consuls and representatives of
international organizations, as well as Speaker Oleksandr Moroz, Prime Minister
Viktor Yanukovych, Acting Foreign Minister Volodymyr Ohryzko, NSDCU Secretary
Vitaly Haiduk, Secretariat Chief of Staff Viktor Baloha, Ukrainian ministers and
members of parliament, attended the event.
In his speech, the President thanked the diplomats for
contributing to Ukraine’s “constructive dialogue” with other countries in 2006.
Outlining priorities for 2007, Mr. Yushchenko said, “Ukraine is
searching for ways to resolve the most difficult tasks in its development. We
are shaping a culture of political compromise.”
He reiterated his intention to form a commission to amend the
country’s constitution.
“We must effectively balance powers, ensure that the rights and
freedoms of our citizens are observed and forewarn society of any attempt of
authoritarianism,” he said.
Ukraine’s priorities – pluralistic democracy, civil society,
knowledge-based economy and European choice – have not changed, he said. Thus
the main challenge facing Ukraine is to boost its competitiveness.
As for Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations, he said, our most
important objectives are to join the World Trade Organization and to start talks
with the EU to sign an enhanced agreement designed to promote “political
association and economic integration.”
Speaking about relations with Russia, Mr. Yushchenko expressed
confidence the Ukrainian-Russian Commission would be “a powerful engine” to fill
our cooperation with big projects. We see our relations with all countries as
strategically important, he said.
Ukraine is also determined to reinforce its partnership with
the United States of America.
“As Ukraine’s President, I assure you that Ukraine will give up
its policy of uncertainties resulting in a deficit of security. We will continue
our practical dialogue with NATO in order to achieve security and stability,” he
said.
The President said Ukraine was quite active in the
international arena as a member of the United Nations, the Organization for
Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Council of Europe, “We value our
status of a reliable international partner which never stands aside global
processes.”
Ukraine will spare no effort to resolve the Trans-dniester
conflict. It is also ready for constructive cooperation within the Commonwealth
of Independent States and with the G8, and wants to develop regional projects
like GUAM.
Mr. Yushchenko said building reliable partnerships and mutually
beneficial cooperation with other countries and participating in international
projects to face new global challenges were among the country’s foreign
priorities, as well as developing ties with Latin America, Asia and Africa.
“I believe our plans will materialize in all aspects. I count
on your understanding and support.”
Georgia’s Ambassador to Ukraine and the Dean of the Diplomatic
Corps, Grygol Katamadze, said Ukraine “faced challenges worthily” last year. He
said freedom of speech, which “became an integral part of social life,” and last
year’s elections, whose “transparency and fairness were praised worldwide,” were
among the country’s main achievements.
“Ukraine stands firmly on the path of democratic changes.
Foreign diplomats accredited to Ukraine cannot be indifferent to its fate. We do
our best to support Ukrainians and rejoice at your successes,” he said, adding
that our partners were looking forward to Ukraine’s joining the World Trade
Organization. “We will continue working to ensure that Ukraine’s cooperation
with all countries and international organizations is active and productive.”
During the reception, the guests could view a photo exhibition
highlighting both the official and informal aspects of Victor Yushchenko’s
international activity, President Yushchenko: An International Dimension,
and an exhibition of Ukrainian art treasures. They also enjoyed musical
performances.
