On 7 September 2011, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Mr. Kostyantyn Gryshchenko, paid a working visit to France, in the course of which he held bilateral meetings with the Diplomatic adviser of the French President, Mr. Jean-David Levitte, and the French Minister for the European Affairs, Mr. Jean Leonetti. Minister Gryshchenko gave also an interview to the leading French newspaper “Le Monde”.

The talks with the French officials were focused on topical issues of the bilateral relations between Ukraine and France, in particular on the prospects for intensifying a high-level political dialogue between two countries, as well as the avenues to deepen their trade and economic cooperation.

Discussed in details were the current state of the EU-Ukraine negotiations on the Association Agreement at their final stage and the role of France in this process.

Upon the request of the French Side, Minister Gryshchenko highlighted the major directions of the ongoing reforms in Ukraine and made comments regarding its internal political situation. The two Sides exchanged their views on the issues of mutual interest.

The meetings were held in the atmosphere of partnership and mutual understanding.