Ukraine hopes to join OECD

MOSCOW. May 25 (Interfax) - Promoting a law-based system of government and pursing an anti-corruption policy remain the main priorities of Ukraine's international policy, and the country is continuing to approach these standards, Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada First Deputy Speaker Alexander Korniyenko said at a forum of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

"Ukraine is confidently heading toward membership in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development," Ukrainian media outlets quoted Korniyenko as saying in a social media post on Wednesday.

There is a large number of facts confirming that, for instance that the Ukrainian language is on a par with English and French at the event, Korniyenko said. He also pointed to the presence of a separate panel that is dedicated to Ukraine's recovery.

"As I delivered my speech at the forum, I was glad to share Ukraine's successes in these fields. In particular, I emphasized the importance of implementing the 2023-2025 state anti-corruption program endorsed by the Ukrainian cabinet," he said.

"There may be many instances of corruption as a crime with severe consequences, especially during a crisis. That is why, the implementation of the State Anti-Corruption Program is an instrument for eradicating corruption in Ukraine. Our common cause today is to bring Ukraine closer to world and European standards. So, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine will responsibly tackle its tasks along this path," Korniyenko said.

Korniyenko also said that he, head of the National Agency for Corruption Prevention Alexander Novikov and the dean and the executive director of the International Anti-Corruption Academy discussed the importance of transparent use of funds that will be allocated for reconstruction and joint introduction of the OECD's public virtue recommendations.