Kostiantyn Hryshchenko

KYIV, September 11 /UKRINFORM/. The diversity of human and cultural ties between Ukrainian and Russian nations encourages the authorities to find a solution to difficult problems, Ukraine's Ambassador to Russia Kostiantyn Hryshchenko has told an interview with Russia's Vesti TV Channel, UKRINFORM's correspondent reported from Moscow.

According to Hryshchenko, the level of political cooperation between Ukraine and Russia cannot be called as satisfactory. But there is a progress in economic relations: despite the global crisis and fall in bilateral goods turnover the countries are approaching to serious projects.

As an example, the Ukrainian diplomat named the agreements to renew works on An-70 airplane, as well as a joint launch of An-148. "An-148 is a special project. Today, with the diversity of models and brands that service Russian airlines, the Antonov aircrafts remain most sought-after as they fly in the north and east of the country," the ambassador said.

At the same time, Hryshchenko noted that around 50% of the An-148 spares, which are assembled at Voronezh Aircraft Plant (VASO), are Russia's, which in turn provides for a technological breakthrough for this enterprise. This project stands out among others (Sukhoi Superjet 100), where the volume of foreign components makes 80%, the Ukrainian diplomat ended.

Asked about the terms of construction of the bridge across the Kerch Strait, Hryshchenko called on to focus on cheaper projects but giving at the same time fast results. "What is the most important here is to realize whether we have real resources for one or other project. Let's say, one of the main transport directions is the way from Uzhhorod via Kyiv to Moscow. A huge volume of freight is running along it. Unfortunately, if the road from Moscow to Kaluga is more or less proper, so the remaining 300 km to the border leave much to be desired," he said. "I believe that at this stage we should focus on what can bring a result more quickly," the ambassador added. "On the one hand, the tone of a political dialogue could hardly be viewed as satisfactory, but the diversity of ties, including the human and cultural ones, encourages the governments to find solutions," Hryshchenko underscored.

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