President: It is necessary to intensify the cooperation between Ukraine and Russia

  In Moscow, President Viktor Yanukovych has met President of Russia Vladimir Putin.

  Speaking at the meeting, the President of Ukraine expressed hope that cooperation between Ukraine and Russia in Eastern Europe and Asia would continue developing successfully. He also expressed expectation that the Russian side’s vision of such cooperation is similar to that of Ukraine and aims to make both countries stronger. "We are in a very optimistic mood," Viktor Yanukovych said.

  "Our nations deserve that we paid them as much attention as it is needed to improve the lives of the peoples of Ukraine and Russia, who are very close in spirit, mentality, and culture," he said. In his opinion, he said, it is obviously a real and achievable goal.

  The President of Ukraine also congratulated his Russian counterpart on assuming office and wished him success in his work.

  In turn, the President of Russia stressed that he was glad to have an opportunity to discuss relations between Ukraine and Russia in the framework of today’s informal summit of the CIS. He pointed to significant progress in our bilateral relations made recently, particularly to the growth of our trade turnover up to more than $ 50 billion in 2011, and the fact that in that year our state ranked fourth among the trade partners of Russia. "This is a very good indicator. I hope we will do our best to maintain these positive trends in the future," he said.