President and first lady host reception for foreign diplomats

Presidential Press Service

KYIV - President Viktor Yushchenko and First Lady Kateryna Yushchenko hosted a reception on February 9 for foreign diplomats working in Ukraine. More than 300 guests were invited - 100 of them ambassadors and representatives of such international organizations as the United Nations, UNICEF, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, European Commission, World Bank, International Monetary Fund and many others.

Prime Minister Yurii Yekhanurov, National Security and Defense Council Secretary Anatolii Kinakh, Secretariat Chief of Staff Oleh Rybachuk, ministers and parliamentarians attended the event.

In his opening speech, President Yushchenko said: "This meeting is not only an occasion to spell out this year's priorities of our domestic and foreign policy but also a great occasion to thank all of you for the frank dialogue we had last year."

Mr. Yushchenko added that he was pleased Ukraine had reached mutual understanding with other countries and international organizations.

"Ukraine is looking forward to real progress in its relations with the EU and in other fields of cooperation," the president stressed. "Today, we are sending a clear signal to Brussels: Kyiv is ready to make its contribution to Europe's energy security."

"I am convinced Ukraine is becoming a powerful geopolitical magnet that will attract foreign investment and technologies," he continued.

In 2006 Ukraine is also going to establish a system of regional stability and implement a friendly foreign policy with its neighbors, the president said.

Argentina's ambassador, Miguel Angel Kuneo, asserted that the world community had witnessed profound changes in Ukraine. "The new government aimed to change this country by introducing reforms in all fields of life. The first year of their work showed that Ukraine breathed fresh air," he said on behalf of his foreign colleagues.

Addressing the president, Mr. Kuneo said the world community appreciated Mr. Yushchenko's effort to put Ukraine "at a new higher level of economic development."

He also noted that the government had done much to integrate Ukraine into the world community and assured President Yushchenko that all countries and international organizations are ready to support Ukraine in its bid to introduce democratic changes and build democracy.

The guests heard a performance by soloists of the Kyiv Chamber Ensemble, Oksana Dyka and Dmytro Popov. They also enjoyed an exhibition featuring Ukrainian paintings and glassware.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, March 5, 2006, No. 10, Vol. LXXIV

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