On 26 February in Vilnius, Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Linas Linkevičius met with Philomena Murnaghan, the Ambassador of the Ireland to Lithuania, and discussed with her topical EU issues and items on the bilateral agenda, cooperation between Lithuania and Ireland during the period of the Presidency of the EU Council.

Linkevičius congratulated the Ambassador on the successful beginning of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The Minister expressed belief that Ireland’s 7th EU Presidency would effectively contribute to the solution of issues, which were important for the EU. The head of the Lithuanian diplomacy also evaluated positively the cooperation between the countries in preparing the programme of the Council, and thanked Ireland for sharing the valuable experience.

The meeting highlighted that the priorities for the Presidencies of both countries were similar. Linkevičius pointed out that Lithuania’s Presidency would aim to ensure continuity and, just as Ireland, would focus on financial stability, smart growth and jobs, an open and secure Europe, and the neighbourhood.

Linkevičius and Murnaghan emphasized very good relations between the two countries, similar positions and mutual support in the European Union and other international organisations. The Minister and the Ambassador dedicated much attention to the enhancing business and cultural ties between the countries and highlighted the important role of the Lithuanian community in Ireland in promoting bilateral relations.

The Ambassador of Ireland Murnaghan presented credentials to the President of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaitė on 17 September 2010.