On behalf of the President of Ukraine and Ukrainian Government I have the honor to extend greetings to the participants of the Conference on US-Ukraine nuclear trade and cooperation.

Organization of Conference, which does not have a precedent in the history of Ukrainian-American relations, has become possible as a result of evolution of these relations into strategic partnership and signing the 123 Agreement for Cooperation in the Peaceful uses of Atomic Energy between the US and Ukraine in Kyiv last spring.

This Agreement was reached thanks to political will of President of Ukraine Leonid Kuchma and US Vice President Al Gore, considerable efforts by US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbott, numerous American and Ukrainian colleagues whose efforts and contributions are highly commendable. The 123 Agreement can be considered not only as a legal document, but as a profound political document of modern history.

The Agreement is an acknowledgement of efforts by the Ukrainian leadership aimed at elimination and withdrawing from the territory of Ukraine of powerful offensive nuclear missiles.

It was a historic choice by Ukraine and we are confident that it was a right move. Ukraine made a commitment to abide by the MTCR – Missile Technology Control Regime, and contribute to strengthening global security on the eve of the XXI century.

Such a decision provides not only for consolidation of our national security, but meets the US security interests as well.

The US National Security Strategy for a New Century published by the White House last October states: "We seek to reduce the threat of nuclear war and spread of nuclear weapons and materials, as well as other weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems, especially to outlaw states".

Among the goals of the US national strategy toward Ukraine is the following: "to gain international support as it seeks to close down Chornobyl and reform its energy sector".

This Conference is to become a major step forward on the way of providing Ukraine’s independence in the sphere of energy and diversification of fuel sources, including nuclear fuel. I share the opinion of my old friend Mr. Mykhailo Umanets, Ukrainian First Deputy Minister of Energy that providing nuclear fuel from only one source is quite an awkward concept, which would lead not only to economic but also political dependence, serving as a noose on Ukraine’s independence".

You are making a first step in enhancing our possibilities for Ukrainian nuclear fuel supplies.

This is a complicated technical, scientific and commercial task, requiring goodwill from both sides, mutual understanding and willingness to act in the spirit of Ukrainian-American strategic partnership.

I urge both, Ukrainian delegation – the most representative delegation for the last years of our cooperation in nuclear energy, as well as US delegation to reach constructive agreements and take full advantage of the chance, presented by history.

I’d like to express our sincere gratitude to US Administration, Congress and all American friends for assistance in upgrading safety of Ukrainian safety of Ukrainian enterprise Hartron in Kharkiv.

I would also like to draw your attention to investment opportunities in Ukrainian nuclear industry. For example, newly created special economic zone in the city of Slavutych, Chornobyl area, which is exempt from taxation till the year 2020, offers a wonderful chance for American Hi-Tech companies.

We would welcome more energetic activities of US capital technologies in Ukrainian nuclear market.

We believe that Ukraine will overcome the global financial turmoil and the environment of Ukrainian nuclear market will be attractive for American partners.

I remember when in 1991 I took part in commemorating 5^th anniversary of the Chornobyl accident as a leader of the "Green World" non-governmental organization and leader of the Green Party of Ukraine. There was a ceremony of symbolic burial site as a symbol of our aspirations for healthy and safe development of Ukrainian energy sector.

Welcoming all the participants of the Conference I would like ton wish you fruitful discussions and weighed decisions in the interest of sustainable and safe development of Ukrainian energy sector – a very important component of Ukraine’s national security and independence.