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The 8th session of the bilateral Lithuanian-Russian Intergovernmental Commission for Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical, Humanitarian and Cultural Cooperation took place on 3-4 October in Klaipėda. The plenary session was chaired by Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Audronius Ažubalis.

“Despite the remaining issues of our common perception of history on the bilateral agenda that will take some time, today, as we are marking the 20th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic relations, we can say that our relations are dynamic and pragmatic. A busy agenda of the Intergovernmental Commission testifies to this fact,” Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Audronius Ažubalis said after the meeting.

At the session, the Commission signed an agreement on the construction of a new bridge across the River Nemunas (Neman) between Panemunė and the region of Sovetsk. It is believed that this bridge will ensure easier communication between Lithuania and the Kaliningrad region, and will help to boost trade. That this will reduce border congestion and will improve the wellbeing of local people in Panemunė, because the traffic will be moved away from the city centre and into the suburbs, is not less important.

Lithuania welcomes the increase in trade with Russia and would like Russia to join the World Trade Organisation and to sign a new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with the EU as soon as possible.

During the session, Russian representatives were acquainted with Lithuania’s concerns about obstacles for the Lithuanian language teachers to work at schools in the Kaliningrad region. The officials were invited to find a long-term visa solution, which would allow the Lithuanian language teachers to work unhindered.

“Bearing in mind the statistics of the Russian language teaching in Lithuania, we have every right to expect that in the Kaliningrad region and elsewhere no artificial hindrances will be put in the way of the Lithuanian language teaching. We have also called for the Lithuanian language to be made an optional subject in Russia,” said the Lithuanian Foreign Minister.

It was repeatedly stressed that Lithuania had still not received all the answers to its serious and legitimate concerns about the construction of the nuclear power plant in the Kaliningrad region. A.Ažubalis assured the Russian delegation that Lithuania’s firm determination to demonopolize the energy sector was unchanging.

The Minister also encouraged Russia to open a dialogue on difficult issues. “I have encouraged Russia to open dialogue on the joint evaluation of the past, the restoration of justice, the compensation for the occupation, problems of the investigation of crimes (e.g., in January 13th case) and the perpetuation of the memory of the victims,” A.Ažubalis said.