The head of the president's office pointed to high indices of Russian-Ukrainian turnover. "In the first six months, the turnover hit he highest figure over the recent decades, which amounts to over seven billion dollars, 40% up as against last year," said Medvedev, adding that Ukraine's export to Russia has grown almost by fifty percent.
"This means that economic links are on the rise, cooperation is becoming closer and the freedom of commodity movement is developing," said Medvedev.
He believes that SEE establishment should not in any way undermine relations with the European Union. "On the contrary, the SEE agreement is just an enhancement of our negotiating positions in dialogue with the European Union," said the head of the Kremlin office.
In the opinion of Medvedev, no one stands to lose in SEE integration. "This integration gives benefits to both states, to all our regions and, what is most important, to all the citizens living on both sides of the border," noted Medvedev.
"The agreement on a single economic space and the development of inter-regional cooperation are beneficial for both sides. We are just obliged today to use all the possible channels for a closer integration of our fraternal states," said the head of the presidential office.
"And we should do all this at all the stages of our life, I mean federal and inter-regional levels," he said, adding that there should be effective and consistent measures.
Medvedev conveyed greetings and warmest regards from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The round table discussion is attended by Andrey Kokoshin, chairman of the Duma committee on CIS affairs, Orlov Regional governor Yegor Stroev and St.Petersburg Regional governor Valentina Matvienko, heads of other Russian regions and the Russian ambassador Viktor Chernomyrdin in Ukraine.
The Ukrainian side is represented by Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich, the Ukrainian president's office head Viktor Medvedchuk and heads of regions.
