Ukraine, Canada Sign Declaration On Development Of Special Partnership

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Anatoly Zlenko and his Canadian counterpart John Manley on Wednesday signed a joint declaration on the further development of special partnership between the two countries. The Canadian foreign minister is staying in Kiev on a two-day official visit. At a press conference which followed the signing ceremony the ministers pointed to the need to broaden bilateral ties in trade and economy. Special significance in this connection is attached to Ukraine's prospective joining the World Trade Organisation. At the same time, the Ukrainian foreign minister pointed out that Ukraine would like this issue to be discussed simultaneously with the issue of Russia's WTO membership. The two foreign ministers said they had discussed, among other subjects, the combating of international terrorism and its negative consequences for the international community. The ministers expressed their serious concern over the recent terrorist acts in Israel. John Manley will later be received by Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma and will hold negotiations with Prime Minister Anatoly Kinakh.