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At the international conference “Afghanistan and the region: practical approach for sustainable development” in Vilnius on 19 September, Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Audronius Ažubalis emphasised the importance of closer political and economic cooperation between Afghanistan and its neighbouring countries.

 “The Vilnius conference contributes to the implementation of decisions which were taken in Tokyo and initiates a most active discussion on the benefits of regional cooperation and impact on the economic development of Afghanistan and its neighbouring countries,” Ažubalis said.

According to the Minister, after regaining its independence Lithuania restored relations with the Nordic and Baltic countries, successfully joined networks and is cooperating closely on different levels in the region.

“Lithuania would like to share its own experience accumulated through many years of successful cooperation with its neighbouring countries,” the Minister said.

Ažubalis invited the participants of the event to creatively and openly share innovative and non-traditional ideas about the promotion of cooperation for achieving social, economic and political development in Afghanistan and its region.

“Our previous international meetings discussed and analysed topical issues of national importance. Today I invite you to share your views and experience on regional cooperation initiatives, and to present your projects as practical examples,” the Minister said.

He expressed hope that the discussion initiated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would contribute to the efforts of the international community to ensure lasting peace and development in Afghanistan and its region until 2014 and beyond.

Minister for Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan Zalmai Rassoul also welcomed the participants of the conference.

The Foreign Ministers signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the Lithuanian and Afghan Ministries of Foreign Affairs, which provides a basis for strengthened bilateral political cooperation.

The conference was attended by the EU Special Representative for Central Asia Patricia Flor, EU Special Representative for Afghanistan Vygaudas Ušackas, diplomats and regional cooperation experts from the Baltic and Nordic countries, India, Japan, the United States of America, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Turkey, Central Asian countries, the European Commission, the Secretariat of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the United Nations, other countries and international organisations.

An exhibition of photographs of the findings of Lithuanian archaeologists in the Ghor province runs during the conference.