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On 4 October at the annual meeting of Lithuanian economic diplomats Minister of Foreign Affairs Antanas Valionis underlined the necessity to work harder towards economic diplomacy goals.

“We should not only collect and analyse information, not only take actions to minimize negative consequences of disadvantageous decisions, but also forestall such decisions and eliminate the preconditions for realization of economic threats,” Antanas Valionis said.

The Head of Lithuanian Diplomacy noticed the intense competition for leadership in the region.

Antanas Valionis urged the diplomats not only show the advantages of Lithuania but also strive for Lithuania to be found by everybody, who looks for new business and investment opportunities.

“It is necessary to help active and pushing Lithuanian businessmen find the most convenient ways to close and far, new and old markets of the world, to help Lithuania withstand competitive and – if necessary – political pressure in vital economic and financial sectors,” the Minister said.

Underlining that diplomatic service should address the new needs the Minister presented the changes in the Ministry structure. Three new departments - Foreign Trade Policy Department, Economic Security Policy Department, Export and Investment Promotion Department – were established instead of the former Economics department.

“Our aim is to strengthen the economic dimension of Lithuanian diplomacy, making economic representation the task of the whole diplomatic service,” Foreign Minister stressed.