Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov and Verkhovna Rada Chairman Volodymyr Rybak have wished their compatriots a Happy New Year and a Merry Christmas.

The premier in his greeting noted the main stages of the social, economic and political life of the country, saying that the year 2013 was a difficult year, but it also brought achievements.

"We saved the national currency from devaluation and prevented the growth of tariffs for housing and utility services and prices for basic consumer goods," the government's press service quoted Azarov as saying.

"In difficult conditions we did not just survive, but also modernized the economy. For example, we commissioned the Dniester hydroelectric power plant, the largest and most efficient HPP in Europe, and built hundreds of new enterprises. We also built roads, bridges, hospitals, schools, kindergartens, and opened new enterprises. We also collected a record harvest of 63 million tonnes of grain."

Azarov also noted the decision to suspend the signing of an association and free trade agreement with the European Union, which was adopted in order to "give our economy time to recover and get stronger."

"We will certainly continue the course for European integration, but with stronger positions, defending national interests," Azarov said.

He also described the agreements reached by the Ukrainian and Russian presidents in December 2013 as historic.

"The resumption of full-scale partnership with the Russian Federation has prevented the worst case scenario for the economy of our country," he said, adding that financial stability in Ukraine "is beyond any doubt."

"This allows our enterprises to confidently plan production and sales next year. Most importantly, this gives our people the confidence that they will have stable jobs and wealth in their families... We all have one common goal - we want to live in an independent and rich country," Azarov said.

He expressed confidence that the decisions taken in the outgoing year "will open up new opportunities for Ukraine's economic development."

"I'm confident that next year the talented people of Ukraine, united by common values and a course for European reform, will take significant steps towards the goal of developing a prosperous Ukraine," he said.

Azarov wished Ukrainians success in the realization of their personal, social and business plans so that the year 2014 could be a year of economic, cultural, sports and other achievements of Ukraine, a year of national concord and unity. He also wished his compatriots good health, happiness, inexhaustible vitality and love.

Rybak, in turn, said in his congratulatory message that the year 2013 was a special year, "in which we managed to resolve many large-scale tasks and new ones were simultaneously set before us."

The Verkhovna Rada's press service quoted the speaker as saying on Tuesday that the year 2013 gave Ukrainians an understanding that by uniting they will find a way out of any difficult situation, that they will be able to take a fateful decision for the country.

Rybak also stressed the importance of hearing each other and weighing up all the pros and cons in each decision, walking the path of democracy and reform.

He said that "only the political will and realism of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych saved the country from an imminent economic collapse and further political destruction."

"I sincerely wish you, my dear compatriots, that peace of mind, warmth and family well-being accompany you not only on the New Year's Eve, but also during lifetime. Let your parents, children and grandchildren be healthy! Let joy, love and prosperity be in every home! A Happy New Year and Merry Christmas, dear friends!" the speaker said.