Tripartite negotiations between Ukraine, Russia, and the European Union are aimed at the elimination of contradictions and the signature of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU, Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov has said.

"I would like to stress that the tripartite negotiations are aimed at the elimination of contradictions and the signature of the Association Agreement and a free trade agreement with the EU on better terms for Ukraine, so that it does not lose the markets of Russia and the EU," he said at a meeting of the government on Wednesday.

The PM said that Ukraine wants to restore normal economic relations with Russia as well as agree on specific assistance the EU can provide to Ukraine's economy during its transition period.

Azarov instructed the Foreign Ministry and the Economic Development and Trade Ministry to organize such tripartite negotiations and develop the agenda.