Ukraine's President Viktor Yushchenko has begun a four-day visit to the United States, where he will seek support for his country's bid to join NATO.
Mr. Yushchenko meets with President Bush at the White House Monday before heading off to Chicago, home to a large community of Ukrainian-Americans.
On Friday, White House spokesman Scott McClellan described Ukraine as a "strategic partner" of the United States. The statement marks a dramatic shift in U.S.-Ukrainian relations since mass protests swept Mr. Yushchenko to power late last year.
Washington accused the previous Kiev government of selling radar equipment to Saddam Hussein's Iraq.
On Wednesday, Mr. Yushchenko returns to Washington to address a joint meeting of Congress.
Information for this report is provided by AP and AFP.
