Canada and the United States have said they support Ukraine's bid to join the cross-Atlantic alliance. However, other NATO members, such as France and Germany, have been more cautious about this.

In his address to the parliament, Harper expressed support for a private member's bill recognizing the 1932-33 famine in Ukraine as an act of genocide. The bill, waiting for a vote before summer, is set to pass.

The two leaders also discussed enhancing political and commercial bilateral ties as well as co-operation on the mission in Afghanistan.

Yushchenko will also visit the western city of Winnipeg and Canada's biggest city Toronto during his visit.

Ukraine's President Viktor Yushchenko (L) speaks during a joint news conference with Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Parliament Hill in Ottawa May 26, 2008. Yushchenko is on a state visit to Canada until May 28.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo) 

(Xinhua News Agency May 27, 2008)