Officials want Ukraine trade deal by 2010
Economics Minister Doris Leuthard and Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko have said they want the two countries to share free trade.
In talks on Friday, both sides said they were hoping Ukraine would sign an agreement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) by 2010. The four-country group comprises Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland.
Bern also wants to cement a trade deal with Russia. Russia and Ukraine are Switzerland’s largest partners in the former Soviet Union.
The first round of negotiations with Ukraine was launched in April. Officials from the economics ministry hope to begin talks with Russia this autumn.
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