KIEV, December 19. /ITAR-TASS/. Talks between Ukraine and member-states of the Customs Union (Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan) have not stopped, President Viktor Yanukovich told mass media on Thursday.

“We’ve determined the format of cooperation. This year in Minsk we’ve signed a protocol, which will grant us the observer status to the Customs Union. The Ukrainian government got an opportunity to study documents, which regulated the Customs Union’s work with partners,” Yanukovich said.

“Ukraine is the Customs Union strategic partner in trade,” the president said.

He said in 2003 the Ukrainian parliament had ratified the country’s joining of the common economic space. “Since then Ukraine has went a long way in trade and economic relations. This created big problems,” Yanukovich said.

“After we study the documents decisions will be taken on ways to go further. Talks should be held with any member of the Customs Union,” he said.