Cooperation between the two countries has been good. As a founding
member of the United Nations and before any other European Union
member state Ukraine recognised the Republic of Slovenia in December
1991. Slovenia and Ukraine's paths to independence were characterised
by similar efforts over their history. Both countries became sovereign
states towards the end of the 20th century.
Political dialogue between Slovenia and Ukraine strengthened in
1997. The most important state visits include the official visit of
Prime Minister Drnovsek to Ukraine (November 1998), the official visit
by the Ukrainian President, Mr Leonid Kuchma to Slovenia (March 1999),
the President of the Republic, Mr Milan Kucan, attended the 6th
Meeting of the Presidents of Central European States in Ukraine (May
1999).
The volume of trade between Slovenia and the countries of the
Commonwealth of Independent States makes Ukraine the second biggest
trade partner, with Russia in the first place. In 2001 trade between
the two countries reached the highest level in the past six years and
totalled USD 62.9 million, a 48.7% increase on 2000. Slovenia's
exports increased by 58.3% on 2000 thus totalling USD 48.2
million. Slovenia's surplus (USD 33.5 million) increased by 79.1% on
2000. Slovenia's exports to Ukraine came to 0.52% of its total exports
in 2001 whereas Slovenian imports from Ukraine represented 0.12% (USD
14.7 million) of its total imports in 2001.
Several Slovenian companies, primarily from the pharmaceutical and
food industries and telecommunications and tourism have representative
offices in Ukraine. Slovenian companies have also recently made
numerous small-scale investments, concentrated in western Ukraine.
The most important bilateral agreements signed by the two countries
include: the agreements on cooperation in trade and economy, and in
culture, education and science; the agreement on reciprocal promotion
and protection of investments; agreements on air transport and
international road transport. A major agreement now in preparation is
the agreement for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention
of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income and on capital.
European integration provides an important framework for further
strengthening of bilateral cooperation. Slovenia considers closer
relations between Slovenia, other EU candidate countries and Ukraine
as a natural partnership that is beneficial to all European countries.
Although Slovenia and Ukraine are not progressing towards EU
membership at the same pace, their cooperation in this field could be
fruitful and successful. Slovenia is prepared to share its experience
and contribute to a comprehensive promotion of a dialogue between the
EU and Ukraine.
Slovenia welcomes Ukrainian efforts to join other Euro-Atlantic
organisations, stabilise the region and establish itself in the new
European security architecture.
Many possibilities for successful development of bilateral
cooperation in various areas (defence, internal affairs, science and
technology, agriculture, etc) remain unexploited, therefore Slovenia
hopes to develop this potential in future bilateral relations.
GOVERNMENT PUBLIC RELATIONS AND MEDIA OFFICE © 2002
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