Ukraine remains a strategic partner for the European Union, European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek has said.

“For us Ukraine remains a strategic partner of the European Union. That's why, one of my first visits as president of the European Parliament was made to Ukraine,” he said after a meeting with Ukrainian Parliament Speaker Volodymyr Lytvyn in Kyiv on Monday.

“I came to Ukraine with a message of solidarity, being aware of the difficulties currently existing in Ukraine, as well in other European countries, due to the crisis,” Buzek said.

Speaking about the upcoming presidential election in Ukraine, he said that the European Union does not support any presidential candidate, but is interested in a “free, fair and transparent” election.

Buzek also said that the EU wants to cooperate with Ukraine in the spheres of energy security and investment.