In Brussels President Viktor Yushchenko met with European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, president's press office reported.
Main subject for the discussion was the preparation to the Brussels conference on modernization of the Ukrainian gas transport system, scheduled for March 23.
Speaking about the summit President Yushchenko said that Ukraine is very interested in it and he is sure it would be fruitful for both side.
On his part Jose Manuel Barroso said that the conference “gives Ukraine the unique opportunity to demonstrate its dedication to modernization of its gas transport system”, which is very important for restoring confidence in Ukraine’s energy sector.
Beside that sides discussed Ukraine’s anti-crisis economic policy. Yushchenko said Ukraine had a plan of reaction on all challenges of the world financial crisis, adding that the authorities managed to optimize the trade balance, which was one of the most complicated issues.
The President also said that restoring cooperation with the IMF is very important for Ukraine to successfully overcome the crisis and expressed expectancies that the Verkhovna Rada would adopt all legislative acts needed for that as soon as possible.
After settling its relations with the IMF, according to Yushchenko, Ukraine plans to broaden cooperation with the European Investment Bank, EBRD, and other financial institutions “to shape response to challenges of the world financial crisis”.
European Commission President agreed that cooperation between Ukraine and the IMF is very important and said that it would favor the Ukrainian investment climate recovery. “This support is important because the challenges are very serious,” said Jose Manuel Barroso, adding that in times of the global crisis all responsible politicians should unite in the overcoming of negative tendencies.
