EU Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy has congratulated the Interfax-Ukraine News Agency on the occasion of its 20th anniversary.

''I would like to congratulate the Interfax-Ukraine News Agency on the occasion of its twentieth anniversary, an event which is also linked to Ukraine's own independence and its presence in the international arena.

"Over the past two decades, Interfax has helped in bringing news about Ukraine to Europe and taking back to Ukraine news from abroad, including from Brussels," reads a message by Commissioner Fule sent to the agency.

The European commissioner said that for every modern, democratic society it was important to have independent, professional media that constantly inform citizens of the facts, so that they can form their own opinions.

Fule said that in its dialogue with Ukraine, the EU paid particular attention to issues related to the freedom of expression and media.

"The legal and administrative framework necessary for the enjoyment of such freedoms, for media pluralism and independence, is high on our agenda. This was clearly illustrated by the joint statement of the last EU-Ukraine Summit in December 2011," he said.

The commissioner assured that the EU and he personally were committed to continue to spare no effort in favor of the freedom of speech and media in Ukraine.

"I look forward to a continued close cooperation with Interfax-Ukraine and other Ukrainian media on the many challenges and opportunities ahead as regards Ukraine's road towards political association and economic integration with the EU," he said.

Fule congratulated all the employees on the agency in Brussels and in Kyiv.