President of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych, during his meeting with Alexander Lukashenko in Minsk, expressed his confidence that Belarus in the near future to become a member of the Council of Europe. "At least, I am sure that soon your country to resume the special guest status", Ukrainian leader said.
«I know well, that you have done a lot to bring Belarusian legislation closer to European standards. Belarus is going this way», Viktor Yanukovych underlined, BelTA informs.
Ukrainian president stressed that European integration is in the interest of both Ukraine and Belarus. «We are the European countries and the opening of European markets is in our interest, it is very necessary to our economies», Viktor Yanukovych said.
According to Ukrainian leader, while approaching «the European structures, Ukraine’s advanced a little bit comparing with Belarus». «And in this regard, Belarus may be interested in Ukrainian experience of adapting legislation to European standards», Viktor Yanukovych believes.
President of Ukraine also added that development of states based on respect for human rights and democratic freedoms is in the interests of both nations. «Our countries adhere to this and it’s important people to feel it», said Viktor Yanukovych.
In addition, during a meeting with Alexander Lukashenko, Ukrainian president proposed to hold a regular meeting of the heads of Belarus and Ukraine close to the joint border. «I think, our next meeting should be somewhere on the border of Belarus and Ukraine, so we to visit the territory of both countries and discuss issues of cross-border and interregional cooperation», the head of the Ukrainian state summed up.
