Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kostiantyn Hryschenko, at a meeting with OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatovic, has promised that during his presidency of the OSCE, Ukraine will contribute to the protection of the rights and freedoms of the media.

"During the meeting [the minister] noted Ukraine's readiness during its presidency of the OSCE to continue an effective dialogue on ways to improve the protection of the rights and freedoms of the media in the OSCE. In this context, Ukraine will provide full cooperation to OSCE representative Mijatovic in fulfilling her mandate within the organization," the Foreign Ministry's press service reported on Friday.

Hryschenko informed Mijatovic about the measures taken by the Ukrainian authorities to ensure the freedom of the media, as well as plans for the further strengthening of the legal framework for the protection of the freedom of speech in Ukraine.

The OSCE representative, in turn, praised the progress achieved by Ukraine, particularly the adoption of a number of legislative acts that promote the development of civil society.

Mijatovic hailed the decision of Ukrainian parliamentarians regarding the decriminalization of libel, saying that Ukraine has set a good example to other OSCE countries.