"Our relations develop on a mutually beneficial basis, with each party's interests taken into account. And the fact that we have solved a difficult problem of state border delimitation, reached compromise on the Azov-Kerch issue and made progress in the economic sphere proves that," the diplomat pointed out.
Last year's commodity turnover between the countries amounted to almost $17 billion, a 40% year-on-year rise, the official noted.
"I doubt that somebody in the Ukrainian government would like to act to the detriment of Ukrainian interests," Mr. Loshchinin underlined.
According to the deputy minister, the talks between Vladimir Putin and Viktor Yushchenko, held in Moscow on January 24, prove that "both countries will carry on the line to enhance strategic partnership. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov's visit to Kiev scheduled for February 21, "will be part of the work to implement the heads' of state agreements".
Arrangements are being made to hold a session of a joint commission under the chairmanship of Russian and Ukrainian premiers Mikhail Fradkov and Yulia Timoshenko, the official reported.
"Mikhail Fradkov and Yulia Timoshenko head the joint Russian-Ukrainian commission on cooperation in accordance with a relevant interstate agreement," Valery Loshchinin said in response to journalists' question whether it is possible that Mrs. Timoshenko will arrive in Russia and on what terms.
Yulia Timoshenko was the main suspect in the investigation into the case of misappropriation on a large scale by high-ranking officials of the Russian Ministry of Defense, which was initiated in August 2001, and even was placed on the international wanted list. However, being Ukraine's prime minister, she now enjoys immunity in any country, which has diplomatic relations with Ukraine.
Journalists also asked Mr. Loshchinin what effect on Russian-Ukrainian relations a possible visit to Ukraine by Russian tycoon Boris Berezovsky, currently living in London, can have.
"The state of and prospects for Russian-Ukrainian relations are so significant for the countries' social and economic development that they cannot be overshadowed by some or other action by certain persons," the diplomat said. "This is a question of law rather than bilateral relations. As to Mr. Berezovsky, he is known to be on the wanted list," the official added.
