Ukraine has paid off debts to Russia for the gas consumed, Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko told the 3rd meeting of the Committee on Economic Cooperation of the Ukraine-Russia Interstate Commission Yushchenko-Putin.
"Today we've sent the last payment obligation which fully cancels indebtedness for the gas consumed. And it is possible to say that Ukraine has paid off all debts," she stressed.
For his part, Russian Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov expressed satisfaction with such payments, as well as settlement of issues in gas area between Ukraine and Russia.
"We believe the Ukrainian party carried out work to address problems in the gas sphere. All the issues are practically solved," the Russian Premier stressed.
According to Zubkov, full gas payments open the door to further long-term cooperation between Ukraine and Russia, conclusion of long-term contracts for 8-10 years. "These should be long-term relations with clear contracts on gas supply and transit along Ukraine," he said.