At the beginning of the session, President Yanukovych noted that Ukrainian aspirations to become closer to Europe hadn’t changed since proclamation of the European integration course. He added that developing partnership with the EU, Ukraine had achieved significant progress in the European integration. “This year, we must make a final step and sign the Association Agreement. Ukrainian government is willing to make every effort to achieve this strategically important goal,” Viktor Yanukovych said.

According to Viktor Yanukovych, the Agreement would not only strengthen the European course, but also become an efficient instrument for the implementation of comprehensive domestic reforms.

The President noted that the given Agreement and comprehensive FTA would be important in the context of overcoming economic challenges. “Signing the Association Agreement in the course of the Summit “Eastern Partnership” in November 2013 and its immediate application is our common task,” he said.

The Head of State also reminded that liberalization of visa regime was another topical issue for Ukrainians.

Viktor Yanukovych noted the importance of increasing cooperation in energy sphere. “Ukraine strives to strengthen energy independence. The support of the EU in the modernization of GTS is extremely important for us,” the President stressed.

In his turn, President of European Council Herman Van Rompuy emphasized that Ukraine and the EU had a concrete plan of relations development which included signing of the Association Agreement and the issue of FTA. “We must work for 2013 to become a milestone in relations between Ukraine and the EU,” he said. Herman Van Rompuy also added that efficient implementation of Ukrainian obligations would facilitate successful holding of the Summit “Eastern Partnership” in November 2013 “in the course of which, I hope, we will be able to receive a visible result for Ukraine”.

President of European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso also noted that due to the Agreement Ukraine would be able to get access to European markets. “Signing of the Agreement is our goal. We are always ready to help Ukraine,” he said.