Ukraine's Kuchma Tours Gulf

Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma has embarked on a series of official visits to Gulf states - Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and United Arab Emirates - from January 18 to 25, Alexander Shevchenko, head of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry's 6th territorial department, told a press briefing.

He announced the visit was an official one to all the countries except Bahrain, whose government had chosen to organize a state visit.

Shevchenko said the signing of an agreement on trade and economic, science and technology and investment cooperation between Ukraine and Saudi Arabia was expected during the course of the visit, as well as agreements on investment assistance and protection with the UAE and two agreements on avoidance of double taxation with the UAE and Kuwait.

A group of business representatives will be traveling along with the President.