Dear readers,

I am glad to have a pleasant occasion to address the readers of Welcome to Ukraine Magazine which is published in English.
This issue of the Welcome to Ukraine Magazine is devoted to the Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. This event which will be held in the ancient city of Kyiv for the first time is looked upon by us as the recognition of an economic and political importance of Ukraine and of its prospects for the future on the threshold of the 21st century.
Our country values its partnership with the EBRD and will do its best to create the most favourable conditions for conducting this annual meeting. It is a good chance to acquaint the world community with the development in the land of Ukraine of market-oriented economic relations and formation of a democratic society based on law.
This year Ukraine will celebrate the seventh anniversary of its independence. You will see on the pages of this well-illustrated magazine how rich Ukraine is in uniquely picturesque landscapes, historical landmarks and what a powerful potential it has.
And our main asset is our peoplee, their warm-hearted, hospitable attitudes and their industriousness.
I would like to wish the participants of the annual EBRD Meeting fruitful work and pleasant impressions and the editorial staff of the magazine success in their creative work, and the readers — peace and happiness.

Welcome to Ukraine!