MINSK, 12 July (BelTA) – A working meeting between Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko and President Viktor Yanukovych of Ukraine took place in Crimea, Ukraine, on 11 July, BelTA learnt from the presidential press service. In a one-on-one meeting the heads of state discussed the Belarusian-Ukrainian cooperation, participation in the joint trade and economic projects, and the issues of the international agenda. Ukraine is one of Belarus’ strategic trading partners. In Ukraine there are over 100 objects of the commodity distribution network advancing Belarusian products to the market. In 2009 the mutual trade went down by 40% due to the global crisis. In January-April 2010 the trade between Belarus and Ukraine soared 44.3% to $1115.5 million. Belarus posted surplus in trade with Ukraine to the tune of $130.3 million.

БЕЛТА