Ukraine's first deputy PM attends R-Day parade, holds talks with Akbar

First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine Stepan Kubiv today witnessed the Republic Day parade at the Rajpath here, reflecting willingness to improve engagement with India which was somehow impacted by the Central Asian country's dispute with Russia over Crimea.
Kubiv arrived here last night on a four-day visit. He held talks with Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar during which the two leaders explored ways to deepen bilateral ties.
Officials did not divulge details of the discussions held between the two sides.
"Stepan Kubiv attended the Republic Day parade," a diplomat in the Ukraine Embassy said.
He said the visit will mark a new phase in India-Ukraine relations, particularly after Ukraine's dispute with Russia over Crimea.

The interaction with Kubiv may not go down well with Russia which does not enjoy normal diplomatic ties with Ukraine. This engagement also comes amid growing proximity between Russia and Pakistan.

Kubiv will be attending CII's partnership summit in Visakhapatnam tomorrow.
Minister for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Anant G Geete had visited Ukraine from November 9-12 last year at the invitation of Kubiv.
During the talks, both sides had resolved to take steps to deepen economic engagement, particularly in areas of pharmaceuticals, agriculture, infrastructure, energy, machinery, chemical industry and strategic enterprises.