News

On 23 December Lithuanian Foreign Minister Antanas Valionis met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Boris Tarasiuk who came on a one day visit to Lithuania. 

After the meeting the ministers of both states signed a Joint statement on regional cooperation and cooperation in the spheres of European and Euro-Atlantic integration.

The ministers of both states agreed to further strengthen Lithuanian and Ukrainian strategic partnership. The ministers also discussed cooperation directions in 2006 and the planned agenda of intensive bilateral visits.

Having ensured that Lithuania supports and will further support Ukraine‘s European and Euro-Atlantic integration aspirations, head of the Lithuanian diplomacy noted that only rapid reforms can open for Ukraine the paths to the European Union and NATO. The ministers agreed to focus more on concrete projects which would accelerate Ukraine‘s Euro-Atlantic integration.

B.Tarasiuk also stressed the expedience for Ukraine of trainings consultations of its state employees, diplomats, specialists of various boards, representatives of non governmental organizations with partners in Lithuania. A.Valionis assured that Lithuania will further continue a cordial support to Ukraine. Possibilities for closer cooperation in the field of fight against organized crime were also considered.

Ministers A.Valionis and B.Tarasiuk thoroughly discussed topicalities of Ukraine‘s internal policy, preparation for Ukrainian Parliamentary elections to be held on March 26 2006. The Lithuanian Foreign Minister inquired about the development of Ukraine‘s relations with Russia. Currently especially relevant issue of gas supply from Russia was also discussed. The Ukrainian Foreign Minister assured that a decision will be found in the near future and thanked Lithuania for active support in the discussions on the issue in EU institutions.  

Both countries underlined their determination to further enhance cooperation between the Baltic Sea and the Black and Caspian Seas regions. The ministers expressed their assurance that democratic values eventually will consolidate also in Belarus.

A.Valionis and B.Tarasiuk discussed the creation of better conditions for business and drawing of investments.

The ministers also considered the problems of Ukraine‘s entering the World Trade Organization, the importance of membership in the organization for bilateral and multilateral economic relations.   A.Valionis noted the importance of foreign investments for Ukraine‘s development and expressed his belief that the growth of Lithuania‘s investments in Ukraine will become an example of bilaterally beneficial and constructive economic cooperation. B.Tarasiuk confirmed that much attention will be focused on it.