Ukraine ties rejuvenated by 'epochal' state visit

Agreements could herald new 'Silk Road' to boost Asia-Europe trade

BEIJING - Beijing and Kiev signed 13 agreements on Thursday, the first day of the Ukrainian president's state visit to China, in what analysts are predicting could be the beginning of a new "Silk Road".

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych spent the opening day of his four-day state visit meeting with his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao. Both leaders agreed to lift their ties in a comprehensive way.