Yushchenko told journalists on Wednesday that both leaders would apparently discuss the operation of the gas transport consortium, the creation of a free-trade zone within the framework of the Common Economic Space, as well as hi-tech cooperation.
Quite possibly, the readmission issue (i.e. the return of illegal refugees) will also be discussed, Viktor Yushchenko added.
"Bilateral relations between Ukraine and Russia are very important. These relations can be called strategic. However, some issues still have to be settled," Yushchenko noted.
In his words, he and Putin had agreed during their first summit in Moscow to single out about ten main problems for bilateral discussion.
The President of Ukraine praised bilateral hi-tech cooperation.
"Such cooperation has produced good results. We have managed to implement about 40 projects. However, this program has been largely depleted. And we must draft a program for the next ten years," Yushchenko stressed.
Moscow thinks that Ukraine's participation in the Common Economic Space formation will become clear after the talks.
Vladimir Putin's aide Sergei Prikhodko told journalists that the February 25 session of the high-level group for establishing the Common Economic Space had been postponed at the Ukrainian side's request. According to Prikhodko, Yushchenko said during the Moscow summit that Ukraine was taking a break, and that it would soon decide on its subsequent participation in this process.
In Prikhodko's words, the high-level group will hold its next sessionon April 7-8. Deputy Prime Minister Anatoly Kinakh will represent Ukraine during that session. Those taking part in the session will finalize the format of Ukraine's participation in the formation of the above-mentioned Common Economic Space.
Talking about the synchronized accession of Russia and Ukraine to the World Trade Organization (WTO), Prikhodko noted that this issue was no longer as topical, as it used to be.
Previously, we believed that the synchronization of this process was vitally important for our economies, Prikhodko said. However, a more detailed examination shows that the accession of Russia or Ukraine to the WTO six months ahead of schedule would produce no negative results, Prikhodko stressed.
