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On 22 April, Lithuania‘s Minister of Foreign Affairs Vygaudas Ušackas delivered a speech at the Casimir Pulaski Foundation in Warsaw. The speech was entitled "Lithuanian Foreign Policy. Strategic Partnership with Poland: from Common History to Common Priorities".

The Minister noted that at this period of time it was important to proceed with a concerted European action and to develop internal interconnections, thus creating a well-functioning and integrated internal energy market. Linking of Lithuania‘s and Poland‘s energy markets is a goal of strategic importance.

According to Minister V.Ušackas, energy security will be one of the key issues on the joint agenda of Lithuanian and Polish chairmanship over the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the European Union Presidency. Lithuania’s and Poland’s foreign ministers have agreed to join forces in preparing for the OSCE and EU presidencies in 2011.

“Today as free and democratic like-minded nations we contribute to shaping the fortunes of modern Europe. We will have a unique opportunity to be at the helm of Europe together in 2011 and by acting together we can make our concerns and aspirations the concerns and aspirations of the whole Europe”, the Minister said.

Head of Lithuania’s diplomacy noted that he saw three areas where the efforts of both countries could be particularly productive and useful: shaping key EU policy areas, Eastern neighbourhood, and maintaining a strong and vibrant transatlantic link.

On the subject of key EU policy areas, the Minister highlighted the necessity to work towards further integration of the EU internal market, the need to build a strong and united Union speaking with one voice and acting as a truly global player. Of no less importance is to ensure that the principles of equality among all the member states, transparency and democratic legitimacy, subsidiarity and proportionality as well as community method are fully respected.