News

At the informal meeting of the foreign ministers of the European Union member states (Gymnich) in Slovenia on March 28-29, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Petras Vaitiekūnas emphasised that the discussion regarding the relations of the EU and Russia provided a perfect opportunity to consider the contents of these relations, look for common ground with Russia, and at the same time to better formulate the EU’s position in forthcoming negotiations.

“Our common goal is the development of good relations with Russia. This is particularly important to Lithuania. Lithuania is ready to discuss the important issues of the negotiation mandate for the future political cooperation agreement with Russia and considers that the interests of all countries, including those of Lithuania, must be observed”, highlighted minister P.Vaitiekūnas.

According to the head of Lithuanian diplomacy, while developing good relations with Russia, it is important to seek more cooperation in the areas of energy and legal assistance. Other important issues concerning the EU and Russia relations, such as the development of the relations among Russia and neighbouring countries and the solution of frozen conflicts, cannot be forgotten.

“Relations between the EU and Russia must be based on the practical implementation of bilateral obligations and strengthening of cooperation while solving important strategic questions", noted Foreign Minister P.Vaitiekūnas.

The head of Lithuanian diplomacy also emphasised that it would be expedient to have an analytical report on the development of relations between the EU and Russia prepared by EU institutions for the next meeting. This report could serve as the basis for further discussions.

In Slovenia, the foreign ministers of the EU member states also discussed other important issues of the EU foreign policy: the Middle East peace process and the impact of Syria on the process as well as the European perspectives concerning the relations with the countries in the Western Balkans.