OREANDA-NEWS. November 26, 2010. Ukraine attaches particular importance to development of comprehensive relations with Israel, one of the leading countries of the Middle East, President Viktor Yanukovych said at a joint press conference with President of Israel Shimon Peres.

"Our countries are linked by not only broad political and trade cooperation, but the fact that Israel is home to more than 400 thousand people of Ukrainian descent, and Ukraine is home to one of the largest Jewish communities in the world.

Ukraine and Israel have strong prospects of bilateral cooperation in many areas.

We have had very substantial and constructive negotiations. With President Peres we have discussed a broad range of issues of bilateral cooperation and identified the future of its development.

The important role of the agreement on visa-free travel, concluded in July this year in Jerusalem, was noted.

This step will not only increase tourist exchange between Ukraine and Israel, but will also positively influence the development of bilateral economic, investment, scientific, cultural and humanitarian cooperation.

We expect that visa-free travel will become operational early next year, after the execution of the internal procedures by the sides.

We noted with pleasure the substantial, more than by a third growth of bilateral trade, which has been observed this year.

The catalyst of economic cooperation should become a free trade agreement between Ukraine and the State of Israel, which we will hopefully conclude next year.

The Israeli side expressed interest in investing in development of Ukrainian infrastructure. We are interested in Israeli technologies, experience and know-how, particularly in the context of organizing and holding mass events such as Euro 2012.

We are interested in Israel’s experience and technology base in telecommunications, communications, security systems and infrastructure. Also, the possibility of Israeli side’s participation in provision of security has been discussed.

Our countries have consistently advocated the formation of just and democratic world order that guarantees comprehensive peace, security, respect and interests of all countries.

I am confident that we made an important step towards the development of bilateral relations between Ukraine and the State of Israel for the future," he said.

Viktor Yanukovych thanked Shimon Peres for the constructive talks and wished him successful continuation of the visit.

From his part, the President of Israel thanked the Ukrainian side for hospitality.

"I think we had a very constructive meeting," Shimon Peres said. He invited his Ukrainian colleague to make an official visit to Israel in order to continue the dialogue on strengthening cooperation between our countries.

Shimon Peres pointed to close historical ties between our countries and nations. "We really do share a very long history. And for me, visiting Ukraine means more than just visiting another country; it is like visiting my second fatherland. The past cannot change, so we should change the future," the President of Israel said.

According to Shimon Peres, the sides have agreed today to work out a decade plan of cooperation between Ukraine and Israel in science and technology – from fundamental science up to practical research in the area of modernization of agriculture, space exploration, human brain research, etc.

"All these areas of our cooperation will be supported by relevant agreements, and investment," he said.

The President of Israel also welcomed the proposal of his Ukrainian counterpart on deepening humanitarian cooperation.

Shimon Peres conveyed greetings to Ukraine from Israel. "I think that thanks to close cooperation and coordinated work we can provide a more prosperous future of our children," the President of Israel said.