Paul Grod, National President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress commented on the first official meeting of the leadership of the Ukrainian World Congress and Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych.

The meeting took place in Kyiv on June 21, with President Viktor Yanukovych, Foreign Minister Konstantyn Gryschenko, and Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration Hanna Herman.  The Ukrainian World Congress was represented by President Eugene Czolij and Secretary General Stefan Romaniw.

"I congratulated the President and the Secretary General of the Ukrainian World Congress for taking this important first step and encouraged them to rapidly expand the dialogue and cooperation with various government ministries and non-governmental groups in Ukraine," stated UCC National President Paul Grod. "As part of this cooperation, the Government of Canada has reported that the negotiations with the Government of Ukraine to conclude a Youth Mobility Agreement and a Free Trade Agreement are moving along very well. In addition there are several senior government visits from both countries expected to take place this fall. It is the desire of the Ukrainian Canadian community to further expand a prosperous and mutually beneficial relationship between Canada and Ukraine."

At the meeting President Yanukovych said: "I wanted to meet with the leadership of the Ukrainian World Congress, which I consider a leading association of public organizations of the Ukrainian diaspora." In particular, he indicated the need for improved cooperation with Ukrainians across the world and stressed that he sought the opinion of the Ukrainian Diaspora on the life of modern Ukraine and wished to address their questions. "I think that now it is urgent to organize cooperation with you and other leaders of the Ukrainian diaspora to promote respectful image of Ukraine in the world. It is very important. I believe it is our common task," said Viktor Yanukovych.

Ukrainian World Congress President Eugene Czolij noted the long-standing relations between Ukraine and the World Congress and stressed the need to discuss the basic principles and foundations of previous cooperation.  He drew immediate attention to the four memorandums of cooperation the World Congress signed in 2009 with the ministry of foreign affairs, ministry of family, youth and sport, ministry of culture and with the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine.

"This was a critical meeting for both the government of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people," stated Paul Grod. "To the extent possible we must reinforce the channels through which we can foster mutually advantageous cooperation.  Undermining meaningful engagement between the Government of Ukraine and the Diaspora brings no benefit to the interests of the Ukrainian people.  We have developed a consensus that our community, together with the Government of Canada, must proactively engage Ukraine at both the government and non-government levels if we hope that Ukraine will continue developing its democratic institutions, economic stability, civil society and national identity. There is no question that a constructive relationship with Ukraine will have a positive influence on our community and for the future of Ukraine for decades to come."

After discussing a number of the issues raised by the Ukrainian World Congress, President Viktor Yanukovych stated that he will provide an official response and agreed to continue their dialogue.

Information about this meeting can also be found on the electronic page of the President of Ukraine: President of Ukraine, including a video of the meeting at video.