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On May 10 in Berlin, Lithuanian and German Ministers of Foreign Affairs Audronius Ažubalis and Guido Westerwelle discussed the ways of strengthening the bilateral partnership, which would lead to closer political, economic and cultural ties between the countries and contribute to the European future.

“Germany’s support for the elimination of “energy islands” in Europe is crucial to Lithuania and other Baltic States. Today we have reached a breakthrough aiming to boost energy independence and we appreciate the support of our friends very much, enabling us to implement the projects that are necessary to solve one of the most sensible problems of our region as soon as possible,” Ažubalis said.

At the meeting, he suggested to draft guidelines for further cooperation between Lithuania and Germany on bilateral, EU and multilateral levels.

“We have great opportunities to make further steps on the basis of the excellent results that have been already achieved, consider ways to expand our cooperation to new spheres, to contribute to the strengthening of stability and solidarity in Europe,” Ažubalis said.

The Ministers also discussed key issues related to energy security, the EU’s multiannual financial perspective, the EU public finance crisis and Eastern Partnership.

“Consolidated Europe needs a budget that is in line with our plans, i.e., would ensure cohesion, the implementation of a common market, also in the field of energy. The budget should ensure the place of the EU in the world that would be consistent with our expectations,” head of the Lithuanian diplomacy said.

According to Ažubalis, Lithuania and Germany closely cooperate in the European Union, regularly discuss and coordinate their positions on key foreign policy issues.

During his visit, the Minister also met with Chair of the Parliamentary Friendship Group for Relations with the Baltic States Christel Happach-Kasan, representatives of the Lithuanian community in Berlin.

At the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, Ažubalis gave a lecture “Baltic Sea Region in the EU” and held a meeting with Chairman of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, Member of the European Parliament Hans-Gert Pöttering.

2011 marked the 20th anniversary of the re-establishment of Lithuanian-German diplomatic relations. Germany is among Lithuania’s key partners in the EU and NATO, and occupies the second place among foreign trade partners of Lithuania, and is third largest investor into Lithuania.