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                                       On 2 July in Athens Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Petras Vaitiekūnas and Greek Foreign Affairs Minister Dora Bakoyannis  discussed issues of bilateral relations, expansion of economic relations and important issues of the European Union. Foreign Ministers of both countries emphasized that they have similar positions on the EU development and its future issues. “We speak up for strong European Union and its institutions. Solidarity is the fundamental principle. Only cohesive and strong Europe can surmount challenges of globalization,” said Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs P.Vaitiekūnas.

 The Heads of Lithuanian and Greek diplomacies agreed that the EU should be unanimous in its dialogue with Russia. Energy is one of the capital points here. Secure energy supply should be provided based on transparency, reciprocity and non-discrimination principles.

“The EU should not withdraw, but develop relations with the third countries, promote security and stability across its borders. Lithuania is active in Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, and in the South Caucasus. We have acquired skills and experience working with these partners. However, we also understand the significance of cooperation in the Mediterranean and the Western Balkan region, which is not less important for the security of Europe. We are determined to contribute to the strengthening of this cooperation in every possible way,” said Minister P.Vaitiekūnas.

During the meeting the reached agreement in the EU constitutional process was welcomed. Minister P.Vaitiekūnas expressed hope that the work of intergovernmental conference would be successful and the final agreement would be reached by the end of the year.

“Having reached an accord on the Reform Treaty, attention has to be paid to the practical realization of goals that are important for the EU citizens: energy policy, neighbourhood policy, migration and other issues,” said P.Vaitiekūnas.

Ministers also discussed the preparations for the EU presidency. The Heads of Lithuanian and Greek diplomacies agreed to invite also other ministries of the two countries to cooperate more actively.

Ireland, Lithuania and Greece will assume the EU presidency in 2013-2014.

This was the first working visit of Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs to Greece.