The Visit of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych to the United Nations Starts on September 22

KIEV, Ukraine, September 21, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych has embarked on his trip to New York to participate in the UN General Assembly. Mr. Yanukovych plans to deliver two speeches focusing on the UN Millennium Development Goals. The Ukrainian President also plans to inform the international community on the reforms taking place in Ukraine and its democratic development process.

In addition to touching upon the Millennium Development Goals stated in the UN's Millennium Declaration approved on September 8, 2000 the Ukrainian President will focus on the issues of nuclear disarmament, the international fight against terrorism and global warming.

Despite being a young 19-year old country, Ukraine's membership in the UN lasts much longer. Back in 1945 as part of the Soviet Union, Ukraine had enjoyed a separate from USSR membership in a number of international organizations and became one of 51 UN founding member-nations. Moreover, the Ukrainian representatives took active part in drafting the UN Charter.

In 1997 Ukraine's Foreign Minister Hennadiy Udovenko was honored to preside over the 52nd session of UN's General Assembly. That session became known as "session of reforms" where a comprehensive program of reforming UN's structure was approved upon the initiative of Kofi Annan.

Though the US-Ukraine relationship is not in focus of the visit, it still enjoys a strong interest from the American media, political and business circles.

In light of the warming relationship with Russia, US still remain Ukraine's strong international partner, according to the officials from both sides. Hillary Clinton when visiting Ukraine in July this year stated that visit was her "happiest". Apart from emotional expressions, US demonstrated its strong support to the Ukrainian economy, which currently picks up from crisis, before the international financial institutions. Shortly after Mrs. Clinton's visit to Kiev, the International Monetary Fund approved a new USD 15 bln loan for Ukraine.

Earlier this year the Ukrainian President met with his American counterpart Barack Obama. The outcome of that meeting was Ukraine's readiness to give up highly enriched uranium stockpile. The decision was welcomed by the US President and the international community at large.

SOURCE Press Office of the President of Ukraine