Welcoming Vladimir Putin in Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych stressed the importance of further development of bilateral relations between Ukraine and Russia and creation of effective mechanisms of such cooperation. "What we had outlined and talked about with you earlier - joining efforts to boost the economies of our countries - is impossible without creating concrete mechanisms," he said.
   President Yanukovych has invited Prime Minister Putin to discuss current issues of cooperation, especially those planned for consideration at the meeting of the Ukrainian-Russian Intergovernmental Commission to be held this autumn in Russia. According to Viktor Yanukovych, there is a set of proposals prepared by the Ukrainian and Russian commissions that should be discussed already now at the level of the Governments.
   The Russian Prime Minister thanked the President of Ukraine for his invitation to visit Crimea. "I have not been in Crimea for a long time, and I'm curious to see how things are changing here," said Vladimir Putin. He added that it is a pleasure for him to be in Crimea on the eve of the Russian Navy Day. "It's very good that our sailors - both Russian and Ukrainian - will be together that day," said Prime Minister Putin.
   Speaking about bilateral cooperation between Ukraine and Russia, Vladimir Putin stressed that recently the turnover between the countries has increased and almost reached the pre-crisis level. He noted the "progress", particularly in high-tech industries, such as aircraft building and space industry. According to the Russian Prime Minister, the development of Ukrainian-Russian cooperation in the energy sector is also important.
   "We really do have many questions to be discussed and resolved with the Prime Minister of Ukraine," said Vladimir Putin.