OPR- Wednesday, 9th July, 2008

Mr  President

Prime Minister

Excellencies

Distinguished Guests

It is an honour and a pleasure for me to be visiting Ukraine on an Official Visit. This being the first ever visit to Ukraine by a Head of State of Malta and it testifies to the good relations and constructive dialogue that is developing between our countries.

I have had an opportunity to have a glimpse of the beauty of your country and the welcoming hospitality of your people throughout this day. I am happy to be united here with you all tonight to share some thoughts on our countries, our histories as well as where we currently stand, our relationship with one another and our place in Europe and in the world, our hopes and aspirations for the future. 

Malta lies at the crossroads of the Mediterranean, half way between Gibraltar and Suez Canal and between the South of Europe and Northern Africa. Ukraine has long been considered to lie on the important east-west juncture. It is one of the world's leading energy transit countries, providing transportation of Russian and Caspian oil and gas across its territory. This is a very important consideration given the state of the energy markets in the world.

Mr President

Situated on lucrative trade routes, like us you have experienced the vicissitudes of European warfare and antagonism.  On a number of times your country faced partitioning by powerful neighbours and each time you managed to bring your country together again.

It was only on 24^th August 1991 that you became an independent and sovereign state following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. At the same time you became a co-founder of the Commonwealth of Independent States.

Since independence, Ukraine embarked on the process of nation building: a long, arduous project which stresses and stretches the art of compromise in any young democracy to reach a level of consensus.

The Orange Revolution following the elections of 21^st November 2004 reminded the world that the electorate retained considerable powers in demanding its rights by peaceful means particularly the right for free and fair elections according to established norms. This highlights the progress achieved by your country in the realm of the rule of law and observance of human rights.  

Mr President

You played a key role in that Revolution which role established your credentials as a man who fully supports democracy and the rule of law. The parliamentary elections that followed both have the marks of fairness and freedom as it should be.

Since you became President, Ukraine has made clear its aspiration towards EU membership. Malta is convinced that it is in the interests of both States that the process of enhancing of relations between Ukraine and the European Union continues. In this respect, Malta is ready to support Ukraine in its efforts for political and economic reform in conformity with European Union agreed standards.

European Union-Ukraine relations are primarily based on the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement which entered into force in 1998 while negotiations on a new enhanced agreement are currently underway. A number of specific agreements in particular policy areas such as trade, science and technology, and nuclear energy are also in place.

Following enlargement, the European Union has become Ukraine’s largest trading partner accounting for about 35% of Ukraine’s total trade. Trade with Ukraine is on a Most Favoured Nation treatment basis under the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement which allows for trade in goods without quantitative restrictions.

Mr President

Talking on trade, I would like to congratulate the Ukraine’s parliament for ratifying the World Trade Organisation accession protocol, to allow your country to become the 152nd member of the pre-eminent world trade body. Ratification underlines that there is a consensus on the need for deeper integration with the global economy, regardless of narrow sectoral interests. As you remarked when you signed the World Trade Organisation accession documents in Geneva in February, membership will boost Gross Domestic Product growth and promote investment.

Mr President

Malta recognised Ukraine as an independent and sovereign state on 23 December 1991. In August 1991, Malta signed a Protocol on Cooperation between the Foreign Ministries of the two countries which provides for consultations on bilateral issues and the development of cooperation in the political, economic, scientific, technical and cultural fields. It also provides for coordination of international activities by both countries particularly within the framework of the United Nations and the Council for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

In April 2001, under the Swedish Presidency of the European Union, a document was submitted to the EU Associated Countries on “Enhanced Cooperation between the EU and Associated Countries on Ukraine”. Malta responded positively to this document as it sought to enhance cooperation with Ukraine.

In December 2004, Malta joined other international stakeholders and appealed to all parties concerned to refrain from the use of violence and intimidation on the electorate and to ensure that free and fair elections are held to reflect the will of the Ukrainian people as well as the country’s willingness to embark on democratic principles.

We believe it is time to promote our relationships further. There are a number of draft agreements on which both sides have given a lot of time and effort in an attempt to conclude. These agreements are, we believe, in the interests of our countries. I would like to take this opportunity, Mr. President, to conclude these processes in order to promote our relations to a much higher level.  In this regard, I am pleased that the Agreement on Co-operation in the sphere of Law Enforcement is to be signed during this visit, this being an important instrument of co-operation between our respective law enforcement authorities. 

I am pleased to be accompanied by a delegation of business people during this Official Visit.  Their presence here confirms the promising potential for expanding the economic relations between Ukraine and Malta. 

This visit to Ukraine enhances our countries’ relations and our common determination to strengthen bonds of cooperation, trade, investment, cultural exchanges and interpersonal contacts.  I hope that the Ukrainian and Maltese businessmen will have plenty of new ideas to share and transform into business ventures. 

Mr President

I would like to thank you again for your warm hospitality you bestowed on my delegation, my wife and myself. I look forward to reciprocate in welcoming you to Malta in the near future.

With these thoughts, may I invite you Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, to raise your glass and to toast to the health of His Excellency the President and Mrs. Yushchenko and for the prosperity and friendship between our Peoples.