Stefanchuk on Ukrainian-Polish relations: We must build our future pragmatically

Relations between Ukraine and Poland can be improved in the economic and infrastructural spheres, while historical issues must be settled through the prism of building a pragmatic future.

Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk, emphasized this in an interview with Ukrinform during his recent visit to Warsaw.

"It’s always only the economic aspect that I’m dissatisfied with. On all other issues we have an absolute understanding or a similar vision. There are a number of issues related to economic relations that need to be addressed. This will contribute to an increase in the trade balance between our countries," Stefanchuk said.

According to the Rada speaker, there is significant potential for economic cooperation between Kyiv and Warsaw. He noted that today Poland is Ukraine's second largest trading partner in the world (following China - ed.) and, possibly, at the end of the year, trade between the parties will amount to more than US$10 billion.

The speaker of the Verkhovna Rada added that there are still infrastructure projects between the two countries, whose implementation pace could be raised.

According to Stefanchuk, Ukraine and Poland must resolve complex historical issues by the principle of "forgive and apologize."

"We should treat all historical issues with dignity, while building our future pragmatically," he said.

The 11th session of the Interparliamentary Assembly of Ukraine, Poland, and Lithuania took place in Warsaw on December 5-6.

A delegation of Ukrainian parliamentarians was headed by the Verkhovna Rada Speaker, Ruslan Stefanchuk.

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