News

Lithuania’s image in the world and its place in the European Union (EU), the country’s relations with its neighbors and its position regarding the events in North Africa were among the issues that received most attention during the meeting of Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Audronius Ažubalis and the debate club of Lithuanians living in Brussels on 19 March at the Permanent Representation of Lithuania to the European Union.

Minister A.Ažubalis arrived straight from the South Caucasus, to which the he was paying a visit as the Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and stressed that development of democracy in the world was important for Lithuania.

According to the Foreign Minister, if requested, Lithuania, as the OSCE Chairman, is ready to provide expert assistance to North African countries, based on the successful cooperation with the EU’s Eastern neighbouring countries that are successfully implementing democratic reforms.

Minister A.Ažubalis acquainted Lithuanians living in Brussels with other current issues of Lithuania’s OSCE Chairmanship and with the country’s foreign policy challenges.

According to the Minister, credible and effective EU Presidency in 2013 is one of them, and Lithuania was already consistently preparing for the Presidency.

Minister A.Ažubalis responded to questions about the strengthening of Lithuania’s image and increasing the influence within the EU. The Minister believes that products and services of the highest quality should become a visit card of Lithuania and of the entire Baltic Sea region.

At the meeting, Minister A.Ažubalis called on the Lithuanian community in Belgium to contribute to the promotion of the Lithuanian culture in Brussels, and to actively cooperate on this issue with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

On 21 March in Brussels, head of Lithuania’s diplomacy will take part in the meetings of the EU’s Foreign Affairs Council and the General Affairs Council.