Minister L.Kozhara thanked High Representative K.Ashton for her personal constructive position on this issue and confirmed readiness of the Ukrainian side to make substantial progress on the criteria set by the EU Foreign Affairs Council, for signing of the Agreement in specified time limits.

Mr. Kozhara informed High Representative on the progress of reforms of the Ukrainian authorities to achieve the criteria and standards that will ensure political association and economic integration of Ukraine with the EU.

During the meeting, the heads of foreign services of Ukraine and the EU also touched upon regional and international security issues. The sides stressed the importance of cooperation between the EU and Ukraine as OSCE Chair to ensure stability in the OSCE area.