Apr 20, 2006 Victor Yushchenko has met with Winston Peters, New Zealand’s Foreign Minister, according to the President’s press-office.

They discussed bilateral relations between Ukraine and New Zealand and both agreed that the countries should accelerate their political dialogue and economic cooperation and forge closer business and investment ties.

The Chief of State said he hoped this visit “will open a new stage in our relations” and added that Ukraine was ready to cooperate with New Zealand in the field of high technologies to jointly build satellites, aircrafts, and ships.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Borys Tarasyuk, who attended the meeting, told the President he had signed a cooperation agreement with his counterpart to carry out projects in fishery, agriculture, environmental protection, and Antarctic research.

In his turn, Mr. Peters stressed New Zealand’s awakened interest in Ukraine and wished our country success on its democratic path.