TEHRAN –- Ukraine considers Iran as a major player in Middle Asia and the Caucasus region, Ukrainian Charge d'affaires Oleksander Ucharo said here on Tuesday, calling for the promotion of economic relations between the two countries.

“The trade exchanges between Kiev and Tehran increased in 2005, but there are still great potentials to boost mutual cooperation,” Ucharo told the Mehr News Agency.

There is still ground for boosting cooperation in many economic projects, he added.

Iran’s new international situation over its nuclear program has overshadowed the development of its ties with Ukraine, he stated. “We hope the issue would be resolved peacefully,” he added.

The main priorities of Ukraine’s foreign policy are to join the European Union and improve ties with the Eastern counties, he noted. Asked about the Ukraine’s motivations to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), he said, “Kiev’s first objective is to bolster security, economic, and social standards by establishing cooperation with NATO members.”

Associating with NATO members can help Ukraine boost its democratic values to international levels, he added. Commenting on the claims of the U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine William Tailor about political crisis in Ukraine, Ucharo said “Although Ukraine needs positive publicity to join the European Union and is following financial goals in expanding relations with other countries, Kiev does not have to undergo political restrictions.”

“Ukraine is not as powerful as Iran, so we have to consider the remarks of the major powers’ officials.

“To sum up, the Ukrainian government is free to move based on its own needs in international arena,” he said.