Official website of the President of Russia

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The document, in the opinion of President Putin, has set development guidelines for Russian-Ukrainian relations.

The message said, in particular:

“The signing of the treaty has become a landmark in the recent history of the two nations, expanding the possibilities for strengthening traditional diversified links, deepening cooperation in priority areas, and removing the barriers hindering mutual progress. It is our duty to promote in every way the practical implementation of the basic provisions of this document, which has laid the foundations for a strategic partnership between Russia and Ukraine.

“The signing of the treaty was preceded by another milestone event – the finalisation on May 28, 1997 of three basic agreements on the Black Sea Fleet – an agreement on the status and conditions of stationing the Russian Federation Black Sea fleet in Ukraine, an agreement on the details of division of the fleet and an agreement on mutual settlements connected with the division of the fleet and its stationing in Ukraine. Legal regulation of the matters related to the basing and functioning of Russian naval units in Ukraine meets the national interests of both states. It marked the beginning of close contacts between the Russian Navy and the Naval Forces of Ukraine, and became a weighty factor in maintaining stability and security in the Black Sea region. It is my belief that our common efforts can bring closer the solution of the problems still remaining about the Russian fleet’s stationing in Ukraine.

“It is gratifying to note that the past five years have seen a considerable invigoration of Russian-Ukrainian contacts at all levels, including the highest. There has been progress in political, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation between Russia and Ukraine.”