Ukraine's new president arrives in Moscow for first foreign visit

Ukraine's new president Viktor Yushchenko landed in Moscow on Monday on his first foreign visit since his Sunday inauguration.

The new president is expected to meet with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin and a number of senior Russian officials during his half-day stay in Moscow and will give a press conference in the evening prior to his departure.

Later in the week, Yushchenko will visit Western and Central Europe.

Yushchenko was sworn in as Ukraine's new president on Sunday, bringing an end to months of political turmoil and uncertainty triggered by a presidential election crisis.

The 50-year-old new state leader has pledged to steer Ukraine on a new course, fighting corruption and forging closer ties with the European Union while maintaining traditional good relations with Russia.