VICE-PRESIDENT AL GORE IN KYIV - JULY 22-23: Kuchma's opening remarks at Binational Commission (08/02/98)

VICE-PRESIDENT AL GORE IN KYIV - JULY 22-23

Kuchma's opening remarks at Binational Commission

Below is a report by the Embassy of Ukraine to the U.S. on President Leonid Kuchma's opening remarks on July 22 at the plenary session of the U.S.-Ukraine Binational Commission.

Whereas during the initial stage of the relationship between Ukraine and the U.S., emphasis was primarily placed on declaring general principles, approaches and intentions, "now we are moving towards real actions," President Leonid Kuchma said as he opened the second plenary session of the Ukraine-U.S. Binational Commission.

The Ukrainian leader noted that regular top-level dialogue between Ukraine and the United States was a major accomplishment in the parties' cooperation in 1997-1998. The leaders of two nations have attained a very high level of mutual understanding and support with consultation mechanisms working smoothly and continuously in virtually every area of bilateral cooperation, the president said. According to the president the strategic axis "Washington-Kyiv" has become a significant factor of global peace and stability.

Mr. Kuchma also praised the NATO-Ukraine Charter on a Distinctive Partnership, noting that Ukraine views the U.S. as a key player in promoting this partnership. President Kuchma underscored the significance of making the Ukraine-U.S. military and political partnership more concrete, saying that much potential for cooperation remains untapped.

In the Ukrainian president's opinion, there has been significant progress in the economic component of the U.S.-Ukraine partnership with the creation of favorable conditions for American businesses in Ukraine. Regrettably, there have been problems as well, which the Ukrainian president said he hopes to overcome through joint efforts.

President Leonid Kuchma expressed his concern over the current trend in foreign trade between Ukraine and the U.S.; notwithstanding Ukraine's "most favored nation" trade status with the U.S., trade levels are dropping. As President Kuchma noted, MFN status has not been granted to Ukraine on a permanent and unconditional basis, contrary to what was agreed upon during the Binational Commission's first session. President Kuchma linked this downfall in trade turnover primarily to numerous anti-dumping investigations in the U.S. against Ukrainian exporters, which have drastically limited access for Ukrainian commodities to U.S. markets. President Kuchma expressed hope that the Binational Commission's committees on sustainable economic cooperation, trade and investments would take up this matter for thorough consideration with a view toward working out relevant recommendations.

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Kuchma's opening remarks at Binational Commission

Gore's opening remarks at Binational Commission

Joint Statement of U.S. and Ukraine