Tuesday, October 16 2007, 09 PM ← →

VLADIVOSTOK, October 16, vladivostoktimes.com On October 15 Oleg DEMIN, the Ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Ukraine in the Russian Federation, paid a protocol visit to the Acting Head of the Vladivostok City Administration, Olga KOZERATSKAYA, the Administration reports.

At the meeting the parties discussed matters of intercultural and social and economic cooperation between the friendly nations of Russia and Ukraine.

"First of all, on behalf of the citizens I would like to thank you for today's meeting and to express deep gratitude for the friendly visit to our city," noted Ms. KOZERATSKAYA in her greeting speech. According to the Acting Mayor of Vladivostok, it is not without reason the Consulate General of Ukraine, the only one for the whole Far East, is located in Vladivostok. It testifies to the deep historical and cultural connection between the city and the people of Ukraine, who were among founders of today's Vladivostok and exerted much strength for its foundation and development.

"Your visit not only stresses the serious concern over the city's problems and the importance of the established ties between our countries," Olga KOZERATSKAYA told the Ambassador. "We are not forgetting how much the people of Ukraine have contributed and are still contributing to this land. And I hope by common efforts we will prepare Vladivostok for the upcoming APEC summit."

Oleg DEMIN, in his turn, thanked the City Administration for the warm reception and expressed hope that further relations with Vladivostok will only strengthen, and mutually beneficial economic cooperation will add to the strong intercultural ties. "It is gratifying that recently the Fourth Far Eastern Festival of Ukrainian culture took place in Vladivostok, which the City Administration helped to conduct. We are also pleased that there are talks about creation of a Ukrainian culture centre. On our side we are working on the possibility to open a trade mission of Ukraine in Vladivostok. All this confirms that by common efforts we will be able to create new paths for development of friendly relations," Oleg DEMIN added.

Also the Ambassador, who is also the President of the Ukraine Swimming Federation, proposed that the Vladivostok City Administration consider assisting Ukrainian swimmers in acclimatization before the Olympic Games in Beijing."

At the end of the meeting the parties exchanged memorable gifts and took a traditional memorable photo.