Yanukovych Tells Putin Kyiv Wants SCO Observer Status

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych (left) with Russian President Vladimir Putin (file photo)

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych said he is interested in the export of Ukrainian high-tech products to Asian countries and said Ukraine would like to get observer status in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

He also said Ukraine would like to change its stance regarding natural gas imports from Russia.

He spoke while meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Sochi.

Putin told his Ukrainian counterpart he will provide detailed information on the results of a summit conference of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum due to be held in Vladivostok from September 7 to September 11.

Putin said, "I think both the Ukrainian and Russian economies would benefit from devising some form of Ukrainian observance at APEC forums."

The meeting took place as part of Yanukovych's working visit to Russia.

Based on reporting by Interfax and Itar-Tass