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After the session the presidents signed a Russian-Ukrainian Action Plan for 2008 relating to their trade and economic relations, made press statements, and answered journalists' questions.

The work programme, signed following a meeting of the Russian-Ukrainian Intergovernmental Commission, sets out a list of priority measures in bilateral relations.

In accordance with the programme, the two countries will take measures to activate trade and economic ties and intensify cooperation in the fuel and energy, agriculture, machine-building, transport and communications sectors, industrial policy, the aircraft manufacturing industry, science and technology, and the use of outer space and nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

The two countries agreed to begin practical work on demarcation of the state border, complete the drafting of agreements on delimitation of marine territory in the Sea of Azov and Black Sea and continue negotiations on the Kerch Strait and the presence of the Russian Federation’s Black Sea Fleet on Ukrainian territory.

Mr Putin and Mr Yushchenko announced a settlement to the gas debt issue. Ukraine will begin repayment of its gas supply debts to Russia based on gas prices in 2007.

Speaking at a press conference following the talks, Mr Putin said there can be absolutely no doubt that cooperation between Russia and Ukraine should develop as a strategic partnership.