Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have agreed to revive bilateral relations between their two countries.

During her meeting with Merkel, Tymoshenko stated that today Germany is Ukraine’s #1 partner. According to her, this is highlighted by the high level of trade between the two countries and the volume of German investment in the Ukrainian economy.

Yulia Tymoshenko believes that Ukraine has to develop a partnership strategy with Germany, in particular, and the EU as a whole, and determine lines for cooperation on economics, energy and issues related to the creation of a joint defense system in the EU.

“I hope that today’s meeting with give an additional push to our bilateral relations,” underscored the Prime Minister.

“We reached an agreement on energy policy that provides for diversification (of energy sources) and energy conservation,” said Tymoshenko after her meeting with Merkel. In addition, according to Tymoshenko, both sides agreed on “certain pilot projects” in reforming housing and communal services. “For example, in Alchevsk,” she said.

According to Tymoshenko, Merkel offered assistance to Ukraine in fighting HIV/AIDS. Ukraine really needs this help and we agreed that our health ministers will consolidate cooperation in this area,” said Tymoshenko.

In addition, Yulia Tymoshenko promised that the Ukrainian government will quickly solve the problems related to returning all premises to the Lutheran Church.

Angela Merkel stated that she sees no alternatives to Ukraine’s successful path of development. She noted that Germany and Ukraine are good partners, especially with regard to foreign economic activities.

“Germany is ready to provide Ukraine with active support and conclude new agreements between our countries,” underscored Merkel.

After an expanded meeting, Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and German Chancellor Angela Merkel held an additional one-on-one meeting.

Material from the KMU Press Service, Ukrayinska Pravda