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On 13 July Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Petras Vaitiekūnas and visiting in Vilnius Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier discussed the development of bilateral Lithuanian-German relations in various areas and important international issues. “Thoughtful and genuine conversation with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany F.W.Steinmeier reflects the nature of Lithuanian-German relations: not only are we one European Union family members, but close neighbours as well,” said Minister P.Vaitiekūnas.

The Head of Lithuanian diplomacy congratulated Germany on proving during the EU Presidency period that it could be the prime mover in Europe. P.Vaitiekūnas thanked for the EU solidarity, which was demonstrated in the EU-Russia Summit in Samara.

The Head of German diplomacy thanked Lithuania for its support during the presidency period. According to F.W.Steinmeier, the agreement would not have been reached without Lithuania’s help. The ministers indicated that both countries sought for strong Europe.

“We pursue Europe with the Reform Treaty providing clear-cut cooperation principles of the EU countries, which is closely cooperating with Russia and remains open to its neighbours. We pursue Europe, which upholds and strengthens the strategic partnership with the USA,”  stated the Head of Lithuanian diplomacy.

According to Minister P.Vaitiekūnas, Germany is one of the most important partners of Lithuania today, as the trade turnover with this country totals more than €3 billion. Germany’s investments into Lithuania are about one billion Euros. Suggesting strengthening those relations, Minister P.Vaitiekūnas offered German state owned railway operator Deutsche Bahn to take part in the project Rail Baltica. F.W.Steinmeier expressed interest in the infrastructure projects that were introduced by Lithuania, as well as the idea of building a railway that would link Berlin to St. Petersburg.

During the meeting the energy security issue, which is of great importance to Lithuania, as well as the whole Europe, was discussed. Minister P.Vaitiekūnas stressed that diversification of energy sources was of crucial importance to Lithuania. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany thanked Lithuania for its initiative to organize Energy Conference in Vilnius in October. Germany is invited to participate in it.

Speaking about the EU relations with Russia, the Head of Lithuanian diplomacy emphasized that the relations between Russia and the Baltic States are a litmus paper indicating Russia’s willingness to cooperate with the whole European Union family.

“Kaliningrad is the key to the relationship with whole Russia. This is the source of our success, not problems,”  stated P.Vaitiekūnas.

The ministers also discussed relations with the closest EU neighbours. P.Vaitiekūnas noticed that very soon the visa fee for the citizens of Belarus would grow up to 12 times its present size and would be 60 euros. This is going to undermine the EU’s image and the development of the civil society in Belarus. During the conversation the importance of parliamentary elections in Ukraine meeting democratic principles was stressed.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany, who came for his first official visit to Lithuania, expressed his admiration for Vilnius Old Town, which was inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage List.

“Vilnius will deservedly become the European Capital of Culture in 2009,”  said Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany.

On 14 July, accompanied by Minister P.Vaitiekūnas, the Head of German diplomacy will go to Lithuanian seaside. In Nida F.W.Steinmeier will visit the summerhouse of Thomas Mann, one of the most famous 20th century German writers. He will take part in the opening of the XI International Thomas Mann Festival and will meet with representatives of Lithuanian culture.

Today Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany F.W.Steinmeier was also received by President of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus and Prime Minister Gediminas Kirkilas.