KIEV, June 11 -- Ukraine counts on significant returns from its participation in the development of the technical and economic infrastructure in Iraq and other Middle Eastern countries, First Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Mykola Azarov said.

"The further development of trade cooperation with the countries of the Middle East is to ensure the economic security of our country. It is important that Ukraine seek alternative sources of energy supplies. We expect significant returns from the participation in the development of the technical and economic infrastructure of the countries in the region, including Iraq, from the development of the market of engineering technologies and weapon, aero-space and energy technologies, metallurgical and chemical industries, agriculture," Azarov said at a meeting of the heads of the trade and economic missions in Kiev last week.