Yanukovych's visit to China being prepared

The government of Ukraine is preparing for a visit by Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych to China, Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov has said.

"Today we are preparing for President Viktor Yanukovych's visit to China, and are expecting the newly elected chairman of the State Council of China, Li Keqiang, to visit us," he said at a meeting with Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Communist Party of China Xu Qiliang in Kyiv on Thursday.

Azarov said that the Ukrainian side would do its best to make both visits of very serious value. According to him, the sides have drawn up a development program for their relations in 2013-2017 and will sign the document during Yanukovych's visit to China.

The premier also said he was satisfied with the volume of trade between Ukraine and China, which in 2012 was estimated at $8.9 billion. He added that the sides have the potential to intensify trade.

Azarov said Ukraine wants to develop cooperation with China in the spheres of agriculture, energy, infrastructure development, as well as space and aviation and military technical spheres.

As reported, the Ukrainian president is planning to make a state visit to China this year.