( ForUm ) - President Viktor Yushchenko and Hungary's Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany on Friday held a joint press conference in the Carpathian city of Mukachevo, President's press office reports.
Yushchenko praised Ukraine's partnership with Hungary as "dynamic" and said both countries were now drafting laws to boost energy, regional and border ties. He added that the two states would soon sign an agreement which will "considerably liberalize and seriously optimize our visa rules."
He said Ukraine's and Hungary's visions of bilateral, regional and global issues were alike and said both nations were developing cultural and educational dialogue.
Yushchenko reminded reporters he had unveiled a monument to Taras Shevchenko in Budapest two weeks ago and that he had just attended a ceremony to open an exhibition of paintings by the famous Hungarian painter Mihaly Munkacsy. He added that his Government "actively supports" the Hungarian diaspora in Ukraine.
Yushchenko said Ukraine's ambition was to join the European Union and thanked Hungary for supporting the country's EU bid.
Premier Gyurcsany thanked Yushchenko for inviting him to Mukachevo to open the exhibition and reassured the president Hungary would continue to support Ukraine's European aspirations.