News

On 11 February in Vilnius, Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Audronius Ažubalis and Iceland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Össur Skarphéðinsson discussed Iceland’s EU membership negotiations, priorities of Lithuania’s Chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), prospects of Nordic-Baltic cooperation and strengthening of transatlantic relations.

The Ministers also discussed other current bilateral issues that were interesting for both countries, the issues of foreign policy and international security.

“Lithuania continues to be completely ready to assist Iceland in full preparation for accession to the European Union. Lithuania is a good example that demonstrates the benefits of the EU membership,” Minister A.Ažubalis said at the meeting with Iceland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Minister A.Ažubalis and Ö.Skarphéðinsson dedicated a lot of attention to the issues of economy. Investment opportunities in Lithuania and Iceland were discussed and the experience of solving the problems caused by the financial crisis was shared.

Both Ministers agreed that a closer cooperation of the Northern European countries, conditioned by common cultural and historical similarities and values, and based on economic and scientific potential, would enable this region to become a leader not only in Europe, but also globally.

This year, Lithuania and Iceland mark the twentieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. On 12 February at 10 a.m., a memorial plaque to honour and express gratitude to Iceland, the first country that recognized Lithuania’s Independence on 11 February 1991, will be unveiled on the wall of the building, Islandijos Street 3/18, Vilnius. Lithuania and Iceland established diplomatic relations on 26 August 1991.