Ukraine - Russia group will help consolidate bailout efforts, ambassador says

Ukraine's Ambassador to Russia Kostiantyn Hryschenko expressed hope that the newly set-up interagency workgroup for relations with the Russian Federation would help consolidate both countries' efforts in their fight with the economic crisis.

The diplomat says it is necessary at least to exchange experience in combating the crisis. According to Hryschenko, the two countries stand better chances to get out of the crisis with smaller losses together.

Touching on the specific tasks of the workgroup, the ambassador noted that its main objective is to coordinate economic, humanitarian and security missions, find ways for responding to general system challenges.

Besides fighting the economic crisis, in Hrytsenko's opinion, the target is to maintain the European security system, particularly to prevent and neutralize frozen regional conflicts.

As reported, on Tuesday Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko signed the decree on the creation of an interagency strategic group for the Ukraine - Russia relations with National Security and Defense Council Secretary Raisa Bohatyriova at the head.

Yushchenko also signed the decree calling Ukraine's Ambassador to Russia Kostiantyn Hryschenko, who is also first deputy secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, a special envoy for the development of relations with the Russian Federation.

"The latest moves by the Ukrainian President demonstrate the preparedness of the official Kyiv for taking the Ukraine - Russia relations to a new quality level of pragmatic and equal partnership," emphasized Oleh Voloshyn, press secretary of Ukraine's embassy to the Russian Federation.

UKRINFORM