28 Jun 2010 12:51

Russia-Ukraine trade doubles in first four months of 2010

NOVO-OGARYOVO. June 28 (Interfax) - Russia-Ukraine trade is recovering to the pre-crisis level, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin told Ukrainian counterpart Nikolai Azarov on Monday.

"Bilateral trade dipped last year and doubled in the first four months of this year. In fact, we are regaining the pre-crisis level," he said.

At the same time, the quality of bilateral relations has changed, he said.

"It is not only the question of defense, security or gas cooperation, it is also the question of many other spheres," Putin said.

He welcomed the 'operative interaction' with the Ukrainian colleague and phone discussions of current issues.

"The unprecedented trade growth primarily resulted from political normalization," Azarov said.