Canadian and Ukrainian Foreign Ministers Meet

Kyiv (URA Inform) – From “Irresponsible Politicians do not Understand Intention of Yanukovych”, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Konstantyn Hryshchenko on April 30 went on a working visit in New York. There he will participate in the 2010 Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

During the visit, the Minister will hold talks with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, and meet with state political leaders of the United States, representatives of Ukrainian public organizations. There are also working meetings of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry with the Foreign Ministers of countries - participants of the Conference, in particular, Austria, Denmark, Luxembourg, Canada.

On May 3, Hryshchenko met with his Canadian counterpoint, Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon, discussing government level cooperation and mutual consultations on political and security issues. The ministers also reviewed plans for Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harper’s visit to Ukraine. Hryshchenko also officially invited his Canadian colleague to visit Ukraine. In particular, discussion centred around prospects for the realisation of bilateral agreements in economic and social areas, plus liberalising visa requirements. On matters of policies in external affairs, the two ministers exchanged opinions about Canada’s hosting the G8 Summit, June 25-26, and G20 meeting, June 26-27. It is hoped that the summit proceedings will have an effective influence on resolving aspects of the world economic crisis and renewed banking sector. Cooperation between Canada and Ukraine within the framework of the United Nations was also discussed.

Ukraine has been and remains the leader in global nuclear disarmament process, confirmed by the recent decision by the President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych to remove stockpiles of highly enriched uranium from Ukrainian territory. The decision of the Ukrainian State is welcomed the US, the European Union and other members of the international community.

The foreign ministry recalled that diplomats specifically noted that Ukraine is actively developing nuclear power and research in the field of peaceful atomic energy, is strongly opposed to increasing the number of states that possess nuclear weapons, and has a responsible attitude in handling its existing nuclear materials and technology. In a Foreign Ministry statement, this position has already helped pave the way to obtaining Ukrainian experienced centres, access to the latest technology and equipment, and expanded research funding opportunities.

PHOTOS

1 - Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs Konstantyn Hryshchenko

2 - Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs  Lawrence Cannon