At the final press conference of his state visit to Ukraine, President Valdis Zatlers said that "the visit made a major contribution to both the political and economic dimensions of Latvian-Ukrainian relations." The President noted the constructive and friendly dialogue that took place between high-ranking officials and the successful business fora organized in Kyiv and Lviv.

"Discussions with Ukrainian officials were even longer and more substantive than we had hoped. We share the view that bilateral relations are truly friendly and should be strengthened at the governmental and parliamentary levels, and hopefully also between our peoples. We are, of course, supportive of Ukraine's efforts toward integration in the European Union and NATO, and the visit provided me with a clear confirmation from the highest Ukrainian officials that they are truly determined to attain this strategic goal. We are ready to assist Ukraine in this process, and both Latvia and Ukraine are aware that this is a matter of years rather than days. The motto I suggested Ukraine stick to is never to doubt the goals it has set. We agreed with Ukrainian officials that our meetings will be more frequent in the future, because it is necessary to exchange views and study the action plans of both countries. Both business fora, in Kyiv and Lviv, were satisfying. One could see considerable interest on the part of Latvia's business community and warm reception on the part of Ukrainian businesses. The ties that will bind our nations more closely will be formed by our business communities. It was also important to pay a visit to the Chornobyl nuclear site. Cooperation between Riga and Lviv also gives me pleasure, as it will strengthen cultural ties between Latvia and Ukraine, and I was also pleased by the similarity of our understandings of important historical matters," the President said in summarizing his visit.

Evaluating the talks held with President Yushchenko on the first day of his visit, President Zatlers expressed his satisfaction with the joint communiqué that clearly set forth Latvia's unwavering foreign policy commitment to being a trustworthy partner and ally of Ukraine on its path to EU and NATO accession. The communiqué signed by both presidents also noted appreciation for the advice and assistance Latvia has already given Ukraine with regard to Euroatlantic integration.

Meetings with Arseny Yatseniuk, the Speaker of the Rada, and Yulia Timoshenko, the Prime Minister, also focused on the possibilities for expanding bilateral relations and future cooperation within the framework of international organizations.

In his meeting with the Ukrainian Prime Minister, the focus was on concrete cooperation in development, including projects being implemented in Ukraine with the support of the Latvian government. The Prime Minister and the President also discussed the steps Ukraine will take in meeting the political, economic, and judicial standards set by NATO and the EU. President Zatlers emphasized that Latvia is willing to support various projects for the exchange of knowledge, for instance with regard to the reform of the border patrol and the civil service. Both the President and the Prime Minister agreed that Latvia's experience and knowledge with regard to developing good governance and strengthening the rule of law will be major contributions to Ukraine's path of reform.

During their discussion, they also spoke about energy independence, particularly the diversification of energy sources and the possibilities for liberalizing the market. They also discussed other aspects of economic cooperation, agreeing that the agreements signed between the relevant institutions during the President's state visit, as well as the business for a that were organized during his stay, will provide a sound basis for new economic ties and joint undertakings.

In both Kyiv and Lviv, the President underscored the constructive bilateral relations that Ukraine and Latvia share, based as they are on shared values and interests, as well as the contributions Latvia makes to the business climate with regard to EU requirements. "I realize that the path of reform that leads to the European Union can seem long, complicated and bureaucratic to you. That's what friends are for, however. Latvia is and will be your friend and ally on the road to the European Union," President Zatlers said in opening remarks to the fora. The President also emphasized Latvia's role and potential as one of the most important countries for transit and trade between the East and the West.

In the context of the state visit, the opportunities for regional cooperation were also a focus. This was a principal topic in discussions with the municipal and regional leaders of Lviv.

President Zatlers also considered his visit to Chornobyl to be an important part of his first state visit to Ukraine.

President's Chancery