I would also like to extend my thanks to everyone for coming out for this important U.S. - Ukraine Conference on Nuclear Trade and Commerce. Thanks are also in order for our distinguished presenters this morning, the Honorable Yuri Shcherbak and Deputy Secretary Talbot. These individuals have been driving forces beyond efforts to further strengthen a relationship that is of strategic importance to both our countries. Thank you also Ambassador for hosting the lovely reception last evening. Your presence in Washington, D.C., will be missed. And we wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

For my part, as representative of the Department of Energy, I have many responsibilities that impact U.S. - Ukraine relations, including supporting efforts to increase international cooperation in the safe use of nuclear energy and associated technologies. I have had many dealings in this region of the world, and I look forward to getting to know many of you better and working with you to further this objective.

As I stand here this morning as an official of the United States Government, what is particularly gratifying is seeing representatives from so many U.S. and Ukrainian firms together in the same room. Quite frequently we are able to pull together large delegations of government officials from both our countries, but to have such a large cross-section from the private and public sectors is truly unique. Particularly when they represent our commercial nuclear sectors. Our presence here is evidence of the strong desire within our governments and private sectors to expand nuclear trade and commerce.

Getting everyone here for this important event was also not an easy task. Thanks go out to everyone in both countries that have helped make this conference and all the associated activities a reality. First Deputy Minister Umanet’s leadership in organizing Ukrainian participation should be noted. And we would like to thank Chairman Kovalko for his participation. And without the support of the Department of State and the tireless efforts of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory we would not be here today.

I believe my fellow government colleagues would agree, however, that the biggest thanks go to those U.S. companies and private citizens, represented here today, who continue to support greater U.S. - Ukrainian ties. Your participation demonstrates that, even though Ukraine is facing significant economic uncertainties, the United States remains confident in the future of Ukraine’s economy and the potential of its energy sector.

Most of us in this room have been working in Ukraine for some time now. As such, we realize that this potential will not be achieved without some pain on both sides. Our jobs are made even more difficult because of the recent global economic turmoil. We understand that Ukraine has been particularly hard hit, but continue to take a very strong interest in your effort to implement sweeping economic reforms. Although these often require difficult decisions, we urge you to continue down this road.

Obviously, this group is particularly interested in the difficult reforms being initiated within your power sector. These efforts are a key element to attracting foreign investors, who we will hear from later this afternoon. We must acknowledge, however, that Ukraine faces a unique situation that impacts its economic and energy stability and the success of these power sector reforms -- dealing with the aftermath of the Chornobyl disaster. The United States remains committed to working with Ukraine in mitigating this difficult situation. We must also pool our resources and talent to ensure that a similar incident will never again occur. Additionally, the U.S. will continue its efforts to support the town of Slavutych as it prepares for the shutdown of Chornobyl. Of particular importance will be our support for the International Chornobyl Center. At this point, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge Yuri Kostenko for his unceasing dedication to the Chornobyl issue.

This conference is not about the past, however. We are here to focus on the future. A very bright future. One of expanded cooperation between our nuclear sectors. The United States oversees the world’s largest commercial nuclear infrastructure. Ukraine oversees the majority of the world’s VVER-1000 reactors. We both face a huge responsibility, which requires significant support and technical expertise. Over the past eight years we have worked together in the area of improved nuclear safety. We are now poised and ready to move forward with greater diligence toward a relationship of mutual commercial benefit.

This is our single focus. As is evident by the level of U.S. attendance, we are excited about the broad representation from the Ukrainian private sector, especially from the region around Kharkiv. Representatives are also here from some of Ukraine’s leading research institutes – home of some of the best scientists in the world. It is our hope that these institutes and organizations can be transformed into economically viable commercial organizations that are not dependent upon government investment, but upon the wealth generating ideas and initiative of your best minds and executives. Your commitment to this end was obvious during preparation for this event. You are to be commended.

Success in this endeavor, however, depends upon the initiative of you as individuals, and the vision of the companies and institutes you represent. We look forward with anticipation to your presentations today, which will lay out your ideas for products and processes that will carry you into the next century as the leaders of Ukraine’s private energy sector.

You are not alone in this undertaking. Everyone is in this room has a keen interest in seeing that your efforts are not wasted. The U.S. nuclear industry, as represented here today, wants to be a part of this growth. We all want to see greater commercial ties which can help in the stabilization of your economy and society. With this in mind, I hope that this conference marks a new beginning in improved commercial cooperation between our nuclear industries. Thank you and good luck.