Romania, Ukraine Pledge Improved Relations

January 15, 2007 -- The presidents of Romania and Ukraine met at their common border to declare their intent to strengthen bilateral relations.

According to the Romanian news agency Mediafax, Romanian President Traian Basescu confirmed his country is interested in Ukraine harmonizing with the European Union and NATO as much as possible and wants to take on a mediating role.

Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko said his country is interested in closer economic cooperation with Romania.

Bucharest is spending about 120 million euros on cooperation with neighboring countries Ukraine and Moldova.

The two politicians met to open a new border crossing on the Tisa River near the northwestern Romanian city of Sighetul Marmatiei.

Yushchenko said Ukraine is interested in investing in the gas pipeline Nabucco.

The proposed gas pipeline Nabucco is to run from the Caspian Sea to Western Europe, avoiding Russia.

(dpa)