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President Valdas Adamkus talked about the most important Lithuanian foreign policy challenges at the extended board meeting of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania on 7 January. President emphasized that it is important to properly prepare for chairing the European Security and Cooperation Organization in 2011 and presiding over the European Union in 2013, also to receive a positive decision regarding the introduction of the euro, and to ensure the basis for energy independence. Lithuania has to be an active shaper of the free trade and the EU migration policy.

“In the future we will need increasingly more vigorous diplomatic activity, professional work and a larger contribution to our domestic life to build through joint efforts an open, dynamic, and modern Lithuania”, President of Lithuania V.Adamkus said.

During the extended board meeting Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Petras Vaitiekūnas introduced a reform of the ministry and the most important activity directions of the diplomatic service.

“Presently, activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania are based on two main principles – interests of the Lithuanian citizens should be in the centre of activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, of our policy, also efforts should be put to ensure the understanding of our society and its support to the Lithuanian foreign policy. Two objectives have been raised – to focus activities of the diplomats on the security and benefit of the state and the citizen” told the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

According to P.Vaitiekūnas, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has to be one of the most modern institutions ready to meet the new foreign policy challenges and cooperate with other Lithuanian institutions.

“An increasing community of the Lithuanian citizens abroad, joining of the Schengen area urges us to modernize the provision of consular service and public administration”, told P.Vaitiekūnas when introducing the structural reform that is being implemented at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Minister mentioned an introduction of the “one window” principle that will provide the Lithuanian residents with the possibility to contact the ministry officials and diplomatic missions 24 hours a day, and shall ensure the transfer of information in the cases of consular crisis and extreme situations.

The Head of Lithuanian diplomacy also stressed the importance of public diplomacy when implementing the Lithuanian foreign policy. He emphasised that seeking its efficient implementation, the consent of all political parties, and President’s support is necessary.

Seeking to activate cooperation with immediate neighbours in the European Union and NATO, a Regional Cooperation Department was established, and to strengthen bilateral relations with the countries of North America - the Department of Transatlantic Cooperation and Security Policy.

Also, the instruments of the EU and NATO Eastern neighbourhood policy – the Lithuanian cooperation development and economic security policy - are strengthened.  Lithuania performs an important role in implementing this policy.

“Diplomatic service faces a lot of challenges both inside and outside, yet I believe that we will  be able to overcome them as we have overcome  challenges of not less scope until now”, summed up minister of  the Lithuanian Foreign Affairs P.Vaitiekūnas.

Also, the badges of honour “The Star of Lithuania’s Millennium” were given to the most merited nine Lithuanian diplomats.

The badge “The Star of Lithuania’s Millennium” is an award of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It was established on the occasion of mention of the name of Lithuania to honour persons most merited to the Lithuanian state and its foreign policy.

The badge of honour “The Star of Lithuania’s Millennium” may be given to employees of the Lithuanian and foreign diplomatic missions and consular offices, representations of international organizations and special missions, also to public figures and players of culture life, other persons for special merits in proclaiming the name of Lithuania, fostering and developing cross-country relations, special merits in the civil service.