Ukraine's future depends on its European integration process, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has said.

"We certainly expect a positive decision at the Vilnius summit. The country's further development and reforms are interrelated with European integration issues," Yanukovych said at a meeting with European Parliament Vice-President Jacek Protasiewicz in Kyiv on Thursday.

Ukraine "attaches particular significance to dialogue with the European Union and the European Parliament and favors the expansion of these relations," he said.

"The Ukrainian government's efforts are aimed at implementing criteria essential for the signing of the Association Agreement, including a free trade area," the president said.

Yanukovych said he was sure that, to attain a final result, "there is a need for concerted efforts of not only all government branches, but also the opposition and civil society."

"We are willing to continue supporting the Eastern Partnership's initiatives and are ready to make efforts to further expand our cooperation," he said.

Protasiewicz thanked Yanukovych for his personal contribution to the continuation of the preparations for signing the Association Agreement.

"Your personal decision to free [former Interior Minister] Yuriy Lutsenko and [former Environment Protection Minister] Heorhiy Filipchuk has provided a special incentive to the development of our relations," he said.