§ 21. Mr. StevensTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on political and commercial relations with the Ukraine.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggWe are developing an active political and commercial relationship with Ukraine. A British official is based in Kiev to establish a permanent British mission. The British Council also is establishing a prescence. A senior Foreign Office official held talks in Kiev with the Ukrainian leadership on Saturday. Earlier this month a Ukrainian delegation visited Britain, including the deputy chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament and the chairman of the national bank. The know-how fund has sponsored a food distribution project and is looking at projects in banking and privatisation. There are several joint ventures and a number of British companies have offices in Ukraine.
§ 34. Sir John FarrTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take steps to recognise Ukraine as an independent state.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggUkraine and the other republics of the Soviet Union are discussing among themselves their future relationships and their approach to the union's international obligations. We therefore have not taken a decision on recognition, but a British representative now based in Kiev is working to establish a full diplomatic mission there.
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§ 28. Mr. ShersbyTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects to meet the President of Ukraine to discuss the establishment of closer relations following the outcome of the recent referendum.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggWe actively are developing closer relations with Ukraine. A British representative now based in Kiev is working to establish a permanent British mission. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs very much looks forward to meeting President Kravchuk in due course.