英语文摘：Ukraine, Russia satisfied with development of relations

KIEV, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- The presidents of Ukraine and Russia have provided an upbeat assessment on development of relations between the two countries.

Ukraine's Viktor Yanukovych and his visiting Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev held talks Friday in Gluhiv, a city in Ukraine's northern Sumy region.

"It's improving even faster than we expected," Medvedev said.

Touching upon border issues, both presidents agreed the current rules should be improved.

Customs services should provide people of both countries with comfortable conditions while checking, Yanukovych said adding both countries would work out a plan to modernize the customs service.

Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev (L) and his Ukrainian counterpart Viktor Yanukovich stay next vintage cars during a car rally from from St. Petersburg to Kiev, near the border town of Glukhov September 17, 2010. The two leaders joined the auto- rally which start from St. Petersburg and finish in Kiev here on Friday before their bilateral meeting.

Ahead of the talks, the two presidents took part in an international auto race that started in St. Petersburg in Russia and is sheduled to finish in Ukraine's capital.

The presidents rode in separate cars for about 60 km from Russia to Ukraine at the head of the race.

The cars were Medvedev's favorite soviet brand "Pobeda", which means victory in English. The number plates bore the word "Friendship".

"The name of the car, Victory, symbolize the victory in the Ukrainian-Russian relations," Medvedev told reporters.

The arrival of both presidents was a sign of serious intentions in bilateral relations, Yanukovych said.

"By this joint event, we once again marked we aim at enhancing bilateral relations," Ukraine's president said.

"We must do all we can to make the economies of our countries strong, to provide people with comfortable living standards. I am sure we will cope," Yanukovych said.

In Gluhiv, the presidents visited a cathedral and laid a wreath at the memorial to soldiers killed in the Great Patriotic War, also known as World War II.

Ukraine-Russia relations have improved quickly since Yanukovych took office in February.

During the first half of 2010, trade between Russia and Ukraine nearly doubled year on year, reaching about 16 billion U.S. dollars.