Ukraine and Romania have renewed the composition of the joint presidential commission, which is to meet in Kyiv soon.

The respective agreement was signed by President of Romania Klaus Iohannis and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko in the framework of the latter's visit to Romania.

Iohannis expressed hope that resumption of the work of Ukraine-Romania bilateral commission would address press concerns dealing with Ukraine, which were acquired over the past years, such as BystroeCanal and the situation of national minorities in both countries.

"First of all, it is necessary to resolve issues that have been on the agenda for a long time. One of them is BystroeCanal. The second topic of discussion is national minorities, Romanians in Ukraine and Ukrainians in Romania, for bilateral relations," the head of Romanian state said during joint press conference with the president of Ukraine.

For his part, Poroshenko said: "We have renewed the structure of joint presidential commission. It must become an effective mechanism facilitating Ukraine-Romania cooperation. I am glad that we managed to restore this mechanism nine years after it was originally launched," Poroshenko said.

He said the next sitting (of the commission) will take place in Kyiv.

Iohannis said the Ukrainian community in Romania receives EUR 1.6 million in annual state assistance.

He exhorted to enlarge bilateral relations in culture and education.

"We hope, that Romania Cultural Center in Kyiv and its branch in Chernivtsi will start its work as soon as possible", he added.

Among the most important projects, the Romanian president mentioned construction of Sighetu-Solotvyno Bridge on Tisza, opening of new border crossing points and diplomatic offices.

"The opening of the Romania Consulate in Solotvyno is important in this context," said Iohannis.