July 6 witnessed Konstantin Grishchenko, Ukraine Foreign Minister who was on an official visit in China, accepted a special interview of the People's Daily in the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.

Reporter (shortened as R): This is, as I know, your first visit to China since you took up the post of Ukraine Foreign Minister. May I ask what's the main purpose of your visit to China this time?

Grishchenko (shortened as G): The main purpose of my visit to China this time is to discuss and carry out in a concrete way the common views reached extensively between the two heads of Ukraine and China, ensure the continuity of political dialogue at the high levels of Ukraine and China and further promote the ceaseless development of the relations between the two countries. As a reliable cooperation partner, we firmly believe that the relations between Ukraine and China have a very broad prospect for development and the mutual belief and support of the two sides in political field will be sure to help further the cooperation in all fields.

R. How do you evaluate the great significance in deepening the friendly cooperation of the two countries? For further promoting all-round development of the relations between the two countries, what's the other aspects in which China and Ukraine must continue to make efforts?

G. China is one of the important partners in the Asia-Pacific region. To strengthen cooperation with China will help Ukraine expand its influence in this region. At present, there is no difference between the two countries, and the highly mutual confidence in political field has laid a reliable foundation for an all-round cooperation in every field. The two sides have unfolded a more extensive space for cooperation in such fields as economy and trade, science and technology and in the cultural field as well. So far as Ukraine is concerned, to join the World Trade Organization as early as possible is of utmost importance and we need very much the great support of China. In the fields of energy resources, agriculture, manufacture, aeronautics and astronautics, Ukraine has a lot of superiority and we also hope to carry out an extensive cooperation in the development of China's western region and in the projects for rejuvenating the old industrial base in Northeast China. Besides, there is a great potential for Ukraine and China to cooperate in the military field. This is one of the important contents for bilateral cooperation in the future.

R. Recently the Taiwan issue has roused a great attention in the world. What is your view on the issue?

G. Ukraine's stand on the issue has been constant as always: Taiwan is an inseparable part of China and the government of the People's Republic of China is the solely legitimate government of China. In a series of political documents signed between Ukraine and China, Ukraine undertakes clearly not to have any official relations with Taiwan. Taiwan is only a province of China. Leonid Kuchma, President of Ukraine has for many a time reiterated this stand in his talks with the Chinese leaders.

R. What are the achievements that Ukraine has made in recent years in the economic field?

G. Ukraine has witnessed a steady increase in economy in the 5 consecutive years. This is a great achievement. Last year, Ukraine saw an economic growth of 9.4 percent, one of the countries in Europe and from among the CIS that have seen the fastest growth in economy. In the initial five months of the year the economic growth rate reached 11.5 percent in Ukraine and is as expected to be kept at a rate of 9.5 percent towards the end of the year. Facts indicate that the Ukrainian economy is setting its foot onto the track for a steady and sustainable development.

R. As one of the big countries in the Mid-east Europe, Ukraine considers the joining of the EU a strategic choice. How long a road does Ukraine still have to follow before it is able to get into it according to your view?

G. For the moment, to talk of the definite schedule of joining the EU is still somewhat complicated. However, one point can be said for certain, i.e. Ukraine is making an indefatigable effort for realizing the European integration. This is not only an optimized aspect in the Ukrainian diplomatic policy but also its motive force for constant development. At present, for Ukraine and the EU to work and carry out a plan for common action is the optimized orientation in the recent bilateral relations. The plan will help a continuous deepening of the bilateral relations. Beyond doubt when the living standard of the Ukrainians is on a par with that of the EU, to talk about becoming the member country of the EU will become a logical and favorable trend.

At the end of the interview Grishchenko, the Foreign Minister said intentionally to the reporter: "I came to know the People's Daily when still a boy. The paper has won the respect of the readers by relying on its own influence in the world and I wish sincerely that the People's Daily will get even greater achievements."

By People's Daily Online