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On 18 May in Brussels, Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs took part in the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) and Defence and Development Cooperation Ministerial Meeting. The Minister and his EU counterparts discussed preparation for the European Council, the EU-Russia Summit, situation and relations with Moldova and Georgia.

During the upcoming European Council on 18-19 June, it is intended to discuss the ratification of the Treaty of Lisbon, the EU economy, finances, employment and climate change issues. The Minister stressed that while continuing to implement the decisions that were made regarding the integration of Lithuania’s energy system into the EU system, it was more important to reach the final agreements on the Baltic links plan and to endorse the process of its realisation.

Discussing the upcoming EU-Russia Summit on 21-22 May in Khabarovsk, Minister V.Ušackas highlighted that the new EU-Russia agreement should set out the guidelines for cooperation, which would allow for the development of relations with Russia in several directions: guaranteeing the principles of free market, normalizing the provision of energy supplies, promoting constructive relations with neighbouring countries and a positive development of Russia itself.

The Minister drew attention of his counterparts to the possibilities of cooperation with the Kaliningrad Region and facilitation of visa regime for the residents of Kaliningrad.

Remembering his previous encouragements for the Government and opposition in Georgia to refrain from actions and statements that would intensify tension, head of the Lithuanian diplomacy welcomed dialogue that opened between the Government of Georgia and its opposition, and expressed hope that it would not just be permanent, but would also bear fruit.

“The EU should be ready to support this dialogue with all means. The EU involvement is of particular importance,” said V.Ušackas.

The Minister stressed that the EU Eastern Partnership initiative opened new possibilities; therefore, it was important to complete the negotiations on the visa facilitation agreement as fast as possible and to begin the negotiations on deepened free trade with Georgia. 

While discussing the situation in Moldova, V.Ušackas invited the EU to keep a close watch on the situation in this country, to intermediate and strengthen the political dialogue between the Government and opposition.

“It is very important in the nearest future to adopt the mandate on the new enhanced EU-Moldova agreement and to open an internal EU dialogue on further facilitation of visa regime for the citizens of Moldova,” said Minister V.Ušackas.

Head of the Lithuanian diplomacy positively assessed the accomplishments of the Czech EU Presidency.

“During the Czech Presidency, many important for Lithuania decisions were made, especially in the areas of energy and deepening of the EU relations with its neighbours in the East,” Minister V.Ušackas said supporting the new Government of the Czech Republic.  

During the meeting, the Ministers discussed the situation and relations with Iran, problems of illegal migration at the EU borders. Joint EU Foreign Ministers meetings with the EU Defence and Development Cooperation Ministers also took place.