President met with Ukrainian diaspora in Kazakhstan

President Viktor Yushchenko met today in Astana in Palace of Peace with representatives of Ukrainian community in Kazakhstan, president's press office reported.

During the meeting President assured those present that the needs and problems of Ukrainian communities abroad have always been a subject of attention of the Head of Ukraine as well as national, cultural and spiritual needs of the diaspora have been among top priorities of the Ukrainian government.

President Yushchenko also noted that holding a Year of Ukraine in Kazakhstan would open new opportunities for cultural cooperation between the states. He invited the representatives of the Ukrainian community to actively participate in the arrangements held within the framework of a Year of Ukraine in Kazakhstan and to focus on popularizing image of Ukraine in Kazakhstan. Among participants of the meeting also were Foreign Minister Volodymyr Ohryzko and Minister for Culture Vasyl Vovkun.