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On 17 March in Vilnius Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Antanas Valionis and European Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner discussed topical issues of EU relations with Russia, Ukraine, Moldova and Southern Caucasus countries. The Minister and B. Ferrero-Waldner considered the course of negotiations on EU-Russian cooperation in common spaces of external security, economics, justice, science and culture. They also talked over the beginning of implementation of EU-Ukraine Action Plan. A. Valionis underlined that it is important to coordinate EU members’ assistance and support programmes for Ukraine carried out on bilateral basis. A. Valionis and B. Ferrero-Waldner also discussed the elections results in Moldova and perspectives of implementation of the action plan for this country and exchanged opinions on EU mediation in resolving the conflict in Transnistria. The Minister and European Commissioner reviewed the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council meeting of 16 March, where European Commission’s recommendation to start consultations with countries of Southern Caucasus on preparation of action plans for these countries was endorsed. According to A. Valionis, these action plans could be adopted till the end of this year. The Minister stressed the importance of active EU participation in Georgia. In his opinion, after the border monitoring operation of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe has been finished, the EU should undertake this operation. This EU mission would become a significant contribution in maintaining the stability and building up confidence in the region.