Ukrainian Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovitch said on Thursday the country will consider Russia's request for an extension of the lease of the Black Sea fleet base in Crimea on the basis of mutual benefit.

Yanukovitch said Ukraine will consider the Russian request in view of the Ukrainian-Russian political and economic ties, adding that Kiev is undoubtedly seeking good relations with its neighbors, including Russia.

Russia and Ukraine inked an agreement in 1997 that divided the Soviet Union's Black Sea fleet between the two countries. Under the agreement, the Russian navy was allowed to remain in Ukraine's Black Sea port of Sevastopol until 2017 with an annual rent of 98 million U.S. dollars.

Pushing for an extension of the lease, Russia President Vladimir Putin said last week that Moscow was ready to start negotiations with Ukraine on the issue.

Not denying the possibility of continued presence of Russian troops in Crimea after 2017, Yanukovitch said Ukraine may allow partner countries to rent some of its facilities to make money for the country.

Source: Xinhua