Lady Ashton briefed the Head of the Ukrainian Government about the conclusions of the EU Foreign Affairs Council on Ukraine. She stressed that the European Union wishes Ukraine to achieve a progress in reforms, modernization of the economy, democratic transformations and in fulfillment of its European choice.

The EU Council confirmed commitment to cooperate towards political association and economic integration with Ukraine based on common values.

In this regard, the EU High Representative informed Mykola Azarov about the readiness to hold EU-Ukraine Cooperation Council in Luxembourg in summer 2013. She also believes in signing of the Association Agreement at Vilnius Eastern Partnership Summit in November 2013.

Lady Ashton expressed confidence that Ukraine would successfully carry out the Association Agenda agreed with the EU, ensure reforms of the electoral law, judiciary and the constitutional reform. In particular, the High Representative welcomed Ukraine's commitment to improve the electoral system in Ukraine in accordance with the recommendations of the EU representatives. The European Union is also ready to provide assistance to Ukraine in reforming the judiciary.

In turn, Prime Minister of Ukraine Mykola Azarov thanked Lady Ashton for readiness to have a constructive and an open dialogue and for the positive assessment of the prospects of cooperation between Ukraine and the EU.

The Head of Government welcomed the conclusions of the EU Foreign Affairs Council and said it was a good signal for the further deepening of cooperation. He stressed that Ukraine is determined to fulfill the Association Agenda and sign the Agreement. "We are also ready to launch new formats of dialogue with the EU to reform the judiciary, improve electoral legislation and business climate in Ukraine", Mykola Azarov said.

The parties agreed to maintain a constant personal dialogue during the preparation for the signature of the Ukraine-EU Association agreement, including DCFTA.