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Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Singapore
Joint Statement by President Victor Yushchenko and Prime Minister Gordon Brown
London, 15 May 2008
The Guest of Government Visit to the United Kingdom of President Victor Yushchenko highlights the
close friendship between our two countries, and the willingness to cooperate closely across a broad
spectrum of mutual concerns. Our relationship is based on shared values and interests: expanding
economic freedom and democracy; protecting security; respect for human rights and the rule of law;
supporting innovation and technological advances particularly to promote sustainable development.
Our discussions today have highlighted our common priorities, which we intend to pursue together.
Deepening Ukraine's integration in European, Euro-Atlantic and global institutions
European Union
The Prime Minister and the President believe that it is in the interests of both our countries that the
door to EU membership should be open to Ukraine. Ukraine is a European country. It has the
potential to contribute to the prosperity and security of the EU. Once Ukraine fulfils the criteria, it
should be admitted into full membership of the EU.
The UK believes that the next step is for the EU and Ukraine to conclude an Association Agreement,
including a deep Free Trade Agreement. This would represent substantial strengthening of our ties
and would offer significant opportunities for Ukraine to integrate into the European economy, align
with EU energy policy and take part in cooperation on tackling organised crime and trafficking. The
EU-Ukraine Summit in September should aim to mark significant progress towards this goal.
Ukraine is committed to making progress on key reforms to meet the EU's political and economic
criteria. Free elections and a free media have consolidated democracy in Ukraine. Tomorrow, 16
May, Ukraine will formally accede to the World Trade Organisation. The Prime Minister congratulated
President Yushchenko on this achievement.
Both the EU and the UK bilaterally are committed to providing advice and technical expertise to help
Ukraine make progress on reform. The UK's bilateral assistance includes training for officials on EU
issues as well as support for new mechanisms to coordinate policy and legislation related to EU
integration across the Ukrainian government.
NATO/security
We were pleased with result of the NATO summit held in Bucharest when NATO Allies affirmed that
Ukraine will become a member of NATO. We will work together to help Ukraine move towards that
objective as soon as possible. We believe that Ukraine should now begin a period of intensive
engagement with NATO as well as pursuing internal reforms to address the outstanding questions
pertaining to its Membership Action Plan application and we look forward to further progress at the
NATO Ministerial in December.
Helicopters
We are committed to an ever-closer working relationship as Ukraine moves towards eventual
membership of the EU and NATO. Ukraine is a strategic partner for the UK in the world. Our two
countries are working side by side to help bring security and development to countries plagued by
war and poverty. Ukraine is contributing to all current NATO operations. Today we announce Ukraine’
s inclusion in the UK/France-led initiative to support helicopter capability upgrades and pilot training,
aiming to make more helicopters available both in Afghanistan and for other multinational operations.
This represents an important and clear confirmation of Ukraine’s important enabling role in the
development of EU and NATO operational capabilities.
Continuing Ukraine's defence and military transformation
The UK is firmly committed to supporting Ukraine’s defence reform and modernisation of its Armed
Forces. The bilateral programme is constructed in partnership with Ukraine and is designed to help
Ukraine to meet the objectives of the NATO-Ukraine Action Plan and Annual Target Plan, through
activities such as the UK Special Adviser based in the Ministry of Defence. We also participate in
joint military exercises, and the UK offers training for peace support operations and places at military
colleges in the UK while investing heavily in supporting the development of the English language
training system for the armed forces. This is an important enabler for most of the other activities, as
well as for interoperability with the forces of other nations.
Strengthening the rule of law in Ukraine, promoting reform of the legal system, law
enforcement and security structures, as well as accelerating efforts to combat corruption
and trаfficking in persons
Ukraine and the UK are working together to tackle illegal migration and human trafficking, including
through implementation of Ukraine’s Agreement with the EU on Readmission. We will conduct
negotiations on a bilateral visa facilitation agreement to improve visa procedures for genuine
travellers.
Building Ukrainian energy security, energy efficiency, diversification of sources and
transparency
We are committed to strengthening our partnership on nuclear and radiological safety and security.
We welcome the progress being made towards construction of the new safe confinement at the
Chernobyl site and we recognise the importance of maintaining strong political commitment and a
stable regulatory environment to ensure successful completion of this vital work. The UK Government
has recently contributed an additional £9.5m to international donor programmes at the site, the first
such new commitment from G8 donors.
We join in highlighting the importance of energy sector reform in Ukraine for UK/EU energy security,
through improved transparency which in turn will enable much-needed international investment in the
Ukrainian gas and oil transit system. A pledging conference could play an important role in putting in
place the conditions necessary for upgrading Ukraine’s infrastructure network for hydrocarbon transit.
We stress the importance of improved energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions; and thereby
encourage the use of the instruments available in the EU-Ukraine relationship to this end, in particular
Ukrainian accession to the Energy Community Treaty.
Continuing to work together toward resolution of the Transnistria and other regional
conflicts and to encourage the promotion of democracy in Belarus
Ukraine and the United Kingdom renew their commitment towards an early resolution to the
Transnistria conflict through the 5+2 talks in compliance with the implementation of the plan “To the
Resolution through Democracy” developed on the basis of the initiative of the President of Ukraine.
We agree to support vigorously the EU Border Assistance Mission and the unified customs regime
at the Ukraine-Moldova border and contribute to EU assistance to Ukraine in the management of
migration.
Ukraine and the United Kingdom will work towards greater democratisation and respect for human
rights in Belarus.
Enhancing bilateral cooperation through exchanges and visits
Ukraine and the United Kingdom agree to pursue an active dialogue, including high-level visits
between our two capitals. Both sides will use such visits to enhance and energise work on key
priorities.
Ukraine and the United Kingdom agree to promote people-to-people contacts and increase focus on
cultural, educational and professional exchange programs. The United Kingdom will examine ways
of facilitating visa access to such categories of travellers.
The United Kingdom stands ready to assist Ukraine in its preparations for hosting the Euro2012
football championships, and has already initiated exchanges between the British and Ukrainian
police forces.
Remembering the 1932-33 Holodomor (Great Famine) in Ukraine
Ukraine and the United Kingdom will cooperate to promote remembrance and increase public
awareness of the 1932-33 Holodomor (‘man-made Great Famine’) in Ukraine including within the
framework of the international organisations.
London, 15 May 2008
The Guest of Government Visit to the United Kingdom of President Victor Yushchenko highlights the
close friendship between our two countries, and the willingness to cooperate closely across a broad
spectrum of mutual concerns. Our relationship is based on shared values and interests: expanding
economic freedom and democracy; protecting security; respect for human rights and the rule of law;
supporting innovation and technological advances particularly to promote sustainable development.
Our discussions today have highlighted our common priorities, which we intend to pursue together.
Deepening Ukraine's integration in European, Euro-Atlantic and global institutions
European Union
The Prime Minister and the President believe that it is in the interests of both our countries that the
door to EU membership should be open to Ukraine. Ukraine is a European country. It has the
potential to contribute to the prosperity and security of the EU. Once Ukraine fulfils the criteria, it
should be admitted into full membership of the EU.
The UK believes that the next step is for the EU and Ukraine to conclude an Association Agreement,
including a deep Free Trade Agreement. This would represent substantial strengthening of our ties
and would offer significant opportunities for Ukraine to integrate into the European economy, align
with EU energy policy and take part in cooperation on tackling organised crime and trafficking. The
EU-Ukraine Summit in September should aim to mark significant progress towards this goal.
Ukraine is committed to making progress on key reforms to meet the EU's political and economic
criteria. Free elections and a free media have consolidated democracy in Ukraine. Tomorrow, 16
May, Ukraine will formally accede to the World Trade Organisation. The Prime Minister congratulated
President Yushchenko on this achievement.
Both the EU and the UK bilaterally are committed to providing advice and technical expertise to help
Ukraine make progress on reform. The UK's bilateral assistance includes training for officials on EU
issues as well as support for new mechanisms to coordinate policy and legislation related to EU
integration across the Ukrainian government.
NATO/security
We were pleased with result of the NATO summit held in Bucharest when NATO Allies affirmed that
Ukraine will become a member of NATO. We will work together to help Ukraine move towards that
objective as soon as possible. We believe that Ukraine should now begin a period of intensive
engagement with NATO as well as pursuing internal reforms to address the outstanding questions
pertaining to its Membership Action Plan application and we look forward to further progress at the
NATO Ministerial in December.
Helicopters
We are committed to an ever-closer working relationship as Ukraine moves towards eventual
membership of the EU and NATO. Ukraine is a strategic partner for the UK in the world. Our two
countries are working side by side to help bring security and development to countries plagued by
war and poverty. Ukraine is contributing to all current NATO operations. Today we announce Ukraine’
s inclusion in the UK/France-led initiative to support helicopter capability upgrades and pilot training,
aiming to make more helicopters available both in Afghanistan and for other multinational operations.
This represents an important and clear confirmation of Ukraine’s important enabling role in the
development of EU and NATO operational capabilities.
Continuing Ukraine's defence and military transformation
The UK is firmly committed to supporting Ukraine’s defence reform and modernisation of its Armed
Forces. The bilateral programme is constructed in partnership with Ukraine and is designed to help
Ukraine to meet the objectives of the NATO-Ukraine Action Plan and Annual Target Plan, through
activities such as the UK Special Adviser based in the Ministry of Defence. We also participate in
joint military exercises, and the UK offers training for peace support operations and places at military
colleges in the UK while investing heavily in supporting the development of the English language
training system for the armed forces. This is an important enabler for most of the other activities, as
well as for interoperability with the forces of other nations.
Strengthening the rule of law in Ukraine, promoting reform of the legal system, law
enforcement and security structures, as well as accelerating efforts to combat corruption
and trаfficking in persons
Ukraine and the UK are working together to tackle illegal migration and human trafficking, including
through implementation of Ukraine’s Agreement with the EU on Readmission. We will conduct
negotiations on a bilateral visa facilitation agreement to improve visa procedures for genuine
travellers.
Building Ukrainian energy security, energy efficiency, diversification of sources and
transparency
We are committed to strengthening our partnership on nuclear and radiological safety and security.
We welcome the progress being made towards construction of the new safe confinement at the
Chernobyl site and we recognise the importance of maintaining strong political commitment and a
stable regulatory environment to ensure successful completion of this vital work. The UK Government
has recently contributed an additional £9.5m to international donor programmes at the site, the first
such new commitment from G8 donors.
We join in highlighting the importance of energy sector reform in Ukraine for UK/EU energy security,
through improved transparency which in turn will enable much-needed international investment in the
Ukrainian gas and oil transit system. A pledging conference could play an important role in putting in
place the conditions necessary for upgrading Ukraine’s infrastructure network for hydrocarbon transit.
We stress the importance of improved energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions; and thereby
encourage the use of the instruments available in the EU-Ukraine relationship to this end, in particular
Ukrainian accession to the Energy Community Treaty.
Continuing to work together toward resolution of the Transnistria and other regional
conflicts and to encourage the promotion of democracy in Belarus
Ukraine and the United Kingdom renew their commitment towards an early resolution to the
Transnistria conflict through the 5+2 talks in compliance with the implementation of the plan “To the
Resolution through Democracy” developed on the basis of the initiative of the President of Ukraine.
We agree to support vigorously the EU Border Assistance Mission and the unified customs regime
at the Ukraine-Moldova border and contribute to EU assistance to Ukraine in the management of
migration.
Ukraine and the United Kingdom will work towards greater democratisation and respect for human
rights in Belarus.
Enhancing bilateral cooperation through exchanges and visits
Ukraine and the United Kingdom agree to pursue an active dialogue, including high-level visits
between our two capitals. Both sides will use such visits to enhance and energise work on key
priorities.
Ukraine and the United Kingdom agree to promote people-to-people contacts and increase focus on
cultural, educational and professional exchange programs. The United Kingdom will examine ways
of facilitating visa access to such categories of travellers.
The United Kingdom stands ready to assist Ukraine in its preparations for hosting the Euro2012
football championships, and has already initiated exchanges between the British and Ukrainian
police forces.
Remembering the 1932-33 Holodomor (Great Famine) in Ukraine
Ukraine and the United Kingdom will cooperate to promote remembrance and increase public
awareness of the 1932-33 Holodomor (‘man-made Great Famine’) in Ukraine including within the
framework of the international organisations.