Better integration with Europe top priority for Ukraine

President Viktor Yanukovych said Wednesday that additional integration with Europe remains a top priority in Ukraine's foreign policy. Yanukovych, addressing the 11th Forum of Ukrainian Foreign Diplomatic Missions Chiefs, said Ukraine has made great efforts in facilitating relations with Europe and will continue its efforts in that direction. To increase cooperation with the European Union, Ukraine initiated an association agreement with the 27-country bloc in March aimed at establishing political association and economic integration between the two sides. Yanukovych said the proposed agreement would allow Ukraine's access to the EU free trade area if it takes effect.