President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev: Good afternoon, Mr Zurabov.
You will recall that some time ago I decided to delay your departure to Ukraine to serve as Russian Ambassador there. The day before yesterday the first round of the Ukrainian election was held. I hope that following the final results of the election we will see competent and effective authorities there, open to the development of constructive, friendly, all-round relations with Russia. I think that you should begin your duties as Russian Ambassador to Ukraine and try to make a full-value contribution to strengthening friendly relations between our countries.
In order to help you do this, I signed an executive order appointing you not only Russian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Ukraine but also Special Presidential Representative on Development of Trade and Economic Relations with Ukraine. This document comes into force upon signature so you now have two positions of both Ambassador and Special Representative.
I hope that these two roles will enable you to establish comprehensive ties with the new leadership of Ukraine, the political elite, public figures, and the various representatives of this very close, fraternal country. I wish you success in your tasks.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation To Ukraine Mikhail Zurabov: Thank you Mr President. You rightly pointed out that Russian-Ukrainian relations have important potential and that in the near future they must be raised to a new level, the level of strategic partnership. Both the embassy and I will consider this task a priority.