News

On October 15-16, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Antanas Valionis on his official visit to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia met the President of Yugoslavia Vojislav Koštunica, the Chairmen of the Upper and Lower Chambers of the Parliament of Yugoslavia - Srdja Božović and Dragoljub Mićunović, Prime Minister Dragiša Pešić and Foreign Minister Goran Svilanović. The Head of the Lithuanian diplomacy and his Yugoslavian counterpart signed a co-operation protocol, the first document since the establishment of the diplomatic ties between the states in December of the last year. The protocol defines the framework of co-operation between the two ministries of Foreign Affairs. A mutual interest to sign the treaties on evasion of double taxation, encouragement and protection of investment, mitigation of visa regime and co-operation in the spheres of culture, education and sport was expressed. The Lithuanian Foreign Minister was also interested in the local situation in Yugoslavia, relations between the constituent republics of Serbia and Montenegro and upcoming local to the Assembly in Kosovo. Minister Valionis met also Prime Minister of Serbia Zoran Djindjić. During the meeting with President Koštunica Minister Valionis said that Lithuania would act in support of Yugoslavia’s membership in the Council of Europe. Lithuania will hold a semi-annual chairmanship in the Council of Europe since November 2001.