Transcript of the beginning of the meeting:
Dmitry Medvedev: Mr Azarov, first of all, I would like to extend a warm welcome to you. I’m glad to be able to discuss the latest issues with you. We had a meeting just recently, but you called and said that you would like to discuss the ongoing integration projects that Ukraine could take part in.
Obviously, we are interested in an honest discussion of any pros and cons of such projects with our partners. This is why we are here.
I suggest that we and our deputies, delegation members and experts talk about the legal, organisational and economic effects of the association agreement between Ukraine and the European Union as well as the same aspects and effects related to membership in the Customs Union and the future Eurasian Economic Union. We have discussed this issue many times. I think we are both interested in this discussion and can speak directly. I hope this meeting will be as constructive and honest as the previous one in Sochi.
Let me say welcome again to you and our colleagues who will also participate in the discussion.
Mykola Azarov: Thank you, Mr Medvedev, for your warm welcome. It is true that our countries have very strong relations including in trade and economy. I suppose the discussion in Sochi will continue today – specifically, discussing the problems that exist and how they can be resolved in order for trade and economic relations to reach the level that our presidents agreed. I believe that if there’s a willingness on both sides – and there is – we can find a constructive solution to the issues you have just mentioned.
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