Press Release
Luc Frieden at the swearing-in ceremony of Ukrainian president Viktor Yushchenko

Date of release : 23-01-2005

Policy area : General Affairs and External Relations

On 23 January the Minister for Justice and Defence, Luc Frieden, representing the Luxembourg Presidency of the European Council, attended the swearing-in ceremony of the new president of the Ukraine Viktor Yushchenko.

During talks with the Ukrainian president, Minister Frieden emphasised that "for the Luxembourg Presidency, President Yushchenko’s determination to strengthen democracy and the rule of law will re-energise relations between the European Union and Ukraine." In this context, the Minister underlined "the strategic importance of Ukraine to the European Union" and that he "encourages political forces in Ukraine to continue the process of political and economic transformation based on the democratic agreement that constitutes the election of 26 December 2004."

"The Luxembourg Presidency believes", he added, "that within the framework of the European neighbourhood policy, the action plan constitutes a solid basis for strengthening relations between the Union and Ukraine, which should contribute to the consolidation of common European values."