OTTAWA, May 27 (UPI) -- Ukrainian President Victor Yushchenko told a joint session of the Canadian Parliament Monday his country is making Democratic reforms.
The Ukrainian leader told the Canadian lawmakers his homeland is still trying to overcome government corruption, Canwest News Service reported.
"The development pace that requires centuries for many countries is covered by several years by us," he told the Commons. "However the recent years have shown that the most complicated problems and challenges, including the social problems, we resolve them in a very democratic and civilized way. We are speaking frankly about our problems."
Yushchenko vowed to curb corruption and also said national security and justice reforms are priorities.
As for the Ukraine's economic development, he said it is progressing, adding that more foreign investment would be welcome.
Canada was the first Western country to recognize Ukraine's independence in 1991.
In a private meeting, Yushchenko and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper discussed Ukraine's potential NATO membership, political and economic ties between Ukraine and Canada, among other things.
