(AP) – Ukraine’s President Viktor Yushchenko was to travel to France on Nov. 15 for two days of talks aimed at forging stronger ties and attracting investment into this ex-Soviet republic. Yushchenko planned meetings with President Jacques Chirac and Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin, as well as a series of consultations with French energy companies, his office said. The visit, scheduled to last through Wednesday, was to be Yushchenko’s second since winning last year’s bitter presidential election. Yushchenko has made membership in the European Union and NATO long-term goals for his nation of 47 million, which for centuries has fallen largely under Moscow’s sway.
The Ukrainian leader is also pushing for membership in the World Trade Organization by the end of the year. Last week, France’s Foreign Minister Philip Douste-Blazy pledged his country’s support for Ukraine’s bid during a visit to Kyiv.
While in France, Yushchenko was expected to participate in 60th anniversary celebrations for UNESCO, the U.N. cultural agency.Yushchenko’s American-born wife, Kateryna, was already in Paris as part of a charity event.
