President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych met Speaker of the House of Representatives in the National Diet of Japan Takahiro Yokomichi.

President Yanukovych stressed that developing multifaceted relations with Japan is one of the main priorities of Ukraine's foreign policy. According to him, an important component of these relations is bilateral parliamentary cooperation, as the contacts between the legislative bodies would contribute to deepening the political dialogue.

The parties have discussed prospects of launching direct flights between Ukraine and Japan. With the aim of increasing mutual visits of citizens, the air carriers agreed to make eleven direct charter flights Tokyo- Kyiv-Tokyo this summer. This step will facilitate the introduction of regular direct flights.

Viktor Yanukovych expressed hopes for Japan’s National Diet support in the question of signing the corresponding agreement.

The sides have also discussed prospects of Japan liberalizing visa regulations for Ukrainian citizens.

Ukraine is interested in gradual liberalization of visa regulations with Japan, he said, reminding that our country had introduced visa-free travel for citizens of Japan 6 years ago.

Viktor Yanukovych also expressed hopes that the Diet of Japan will promote the adoption of reciprocal measures.