Russia-Ukraine relations dynamic, have good prospects-Azarov
"Trade and economic relations with Russia should be equal, mutually beneficial, and we should not lose anything in these relations. And if there is a negative balance, it means losses," Azarov said. He noted that unfortunately, the trade and economic balance between Ukraine and Russia is negative, which is due primarily to the increase in gas prices. "We're overpaying monthly significant sums, of course, it affects the level of bilateral relations," the prime minister said. He said in this connection that the Ukrainian side is working to revise the terms of gas supply contracts. "It is extremely important fro us because it is the outflow of currency from the country - the reduction of our foreign exchange reserves," Azarov stressed. He added that the Ukrainian economy so far covers this imbalance. "It is still possible to tolerate this imbalance for a year, a year and a half or two years, but we need to negotiate the terms," the prime minister said.
Earlier, Azarov noted that high gas prices can undermine long-term cooperation between Ukraine and Russia. "Sooner or later, an unequal agreement will undermine the foundation of such long-term cooperation," he said.
"No matter now beneficial the agreement may be for one side at a certain point in time, the existence such unequal agreement will sooner or later undermine the foundation of long-term cooperation very seriously," Azarov said opening the forum "The second Wave of the Global Crisis and Prospects for Ukrainian-Russian Economic Relations" in Kiev on August 10. The prime minister said the current price of natural gas was not a market one. "We do not need discounts. We need do not need preferences. We want fairness," he said.
Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich said he would like to reach an agreement with Russia on a reduction of the price for Russian natural gas supplies for Ukraine by almost 20 percent to 240 US dollars per 1,000 cubic metres.
Ukraine continues to insist on a revision of the gas agreements with Russia.