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During a visit in London on 6 March, Lithuania‘s Minister of Foreign Affairs Vygaudas Ušackas met with Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of the United Kingdom David Miliband. The ministers noted that Lithuania and the United Kingdom had very similar positions on many issues of economy development and foreign policy, therefore Vilnius and London should promote close cooperation in the European Union and NATO.

„We share opinions on basically all issues, and it is only natural to develop constant dialogue on strategic matters of the EU‘s internal market consolidation, relations with EU neighbours, the EU and NATO enlargement, transatlantic agenda as well as other questions. We also discussed an issue which is important to the numerous members of Lithuanian community in the UK: that is the issue of introducing the Lithuanian language examination in British schools”, Minister V.Ušackas stressed.

On the subject of economic and financial situation in Europe and the world, the Ministers came to a conclusion that the most reliable strategy for the solution of economic and financial difficulties would be the consolidation of the EU‘s internal market and  further removal of obstacles to free movement of goods, services and capital.

“Protectionism leads to the decrease of competitiveness, which only increases economic and social problems, that’s why we have to be united in the European Union, we have to guarantee equal conditions for competition in the EU’s internal market among companies from all Member States”, Minister V.Ušackas said.

Head of Lithuania’s diplomacy presented Lithuania’s suggestion to draft a special strategy for the improvement of financial situation of the Central and Eastern European countries in order to provide better possibilities to credit companies and business.

During the meeting, opinions were exchanged on European Economy Recovery Plan, which is currently negotiated by the EU Member States. According to Minister V.Ušackas, the European Commission presented a proposal which would significantly contribute to the growth of the European economy. Energy infrastructure and Baltic interconnection projects envisaged in this plan are of a special importance. After the plan is adopted, it will be possible to make a fast progress in implementing strategic projects such as Baltic-Swedish electricity link. It will be an important step in tackling the energy isolation of Lithuania and Baltic States, in modernizing the system of energy and creating a common energy market of the Baltic States.

UK Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs D.Miliband expressed support to the project of Baltic-Swedish electricity link “Swedlink”.

Head of Lithuania’s diplomacy stated that the EU’s Eastern Partnership initiative was important to the consolidation of democratic governance of EU’s Eastern neighbours and market economy reforms, also to the strengthening of stability and welfare in the region.

Minister V.Ušackas discussed issues of transatlantic cooperation with British experts of energy, security, Eastern Partnership. The Minister also met with representatives of UK’s Lithuanian Union, representatives of Lithuanian youth and other organizations.