European integration is Ukraine's key priority: Yanukovych

Ukraine's new President Viktor Yanukovych said Monday that European integration is a key priority in his foreign policy.

Yanukovych said this after meeting European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso during his first foreign trip after inauguration last week.

The Ukrainian president said that he would pursue a more balanced foreign policy than his predecessor Viktor Yushchenko who alienated Russia with his pro-U.S. policies and sought membership in NATO.

Yanukovych is scheduled to visit Moscow later this week.

"Our priorities will include integration into the European Union, bringing up constructive relations with the Russian Federation, and developing friendly relations with strategic partners such as the United States," he said.

Ukrainian officials said Yanukovych is seeking to position his country as a bridge between Europe and Russia.

They also said Monday's talks in Brussels had focused on energy policy and visa-free travels to the EU for Ukrainians.

Disputes between Ukraine and Russia in the past few years had caused natural gas supply shutdowns for Europe.

"We also discussed natural gas deliveries to European consumers," said the Ukrainian president. "To make that goal come true, we will enhance our relations with Russia ... and the modernization of our infrastructure."

Source:Xinhua