The conversation took place at Russia’s initiative.
Mr Medvedev also sent Mr Yanukovych a message of congratulations.
In his message, the President said, in particular:
“Your political and life experience and your knowledge and energy will be needed in full measure in your work as President of Ukraine and your efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s statehood.
Your position of principle as a consistent supporter of equal and mutually beneficial cooperation between Russia and Ukraine has given a powerful boost to our countries’ work together of late.
Our joint efforts have given the top-level dialogue between our countries a new quality. The Intergovernmental Commission has started work now, and we have put in place good conditions for advancing our trade and economic relations and carrying out big investment projects. Our contacts are intensifying within the Commonwealth of Independent States and on topical issues on the regional and international agendas. I am sure that all of this will help us to develop the full potential of our strategic partnership for the good of our fraternal peoples and in the interest of greater stability in Europe and throughout the world.
In this context, we support your efforts to step up dialogue with partners in Europe and build up Ukraine’s contribution to shaping the agenda for constructive cooperation on our continent.
I value the trusting relations that we have built and that enable us to discuss openly and resolve effectively the development tasks before us, and to strengthen our countries’ historically close ties.”