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At an informal meeting (Gymnich) on 10-11 September in Brussels, foreign ministers of the European Union member states discussed the situation in Pakistan after the floods started, the support to that country and long-term EU-Pakistan cooperation, including trade issues. The informal meeting tooks place in Belgium because the country is currently holding the EU Presidency. Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Audronius Ažubalis highlighted the importance of further rapid humanitarian aid to Pakistan, as well as the necessity to set out a five-year plan for the EU’s involvement in Pakistan.

Lithuania has sent humanitarian assistance to Pakistan estimated at 50 000 Litas (EUR 14 500): ten tents and the same number of heaters for tents.

While discussing methods to encourage trade cooperation with Pakistan, Minister A.Ažubalis expressed his critical point of view concerning the suggestions by some other EU countries to urgently put in place the special incentive arrangement for sustainable development and good governance (GSP+) regarding Pakistan.

“This is not an instrument of humanitarian aid. Pakistan still doesn’t conform to objective criteria for such status and speedy change of these criteria may cause damage to the industry of the EU countries, including Lithuania, and have a negative impact on the EU's trade relations with other under developed countries", Minister A.Ažubalis said.

On the eve of the European Council, which will be held on 16 September, foreign ministers discussed one of the main issues of the European Council agenda: the EU's relations with its strategic partners such as China, India and Brazil. The EU’s role and visibility as a global player in a global world and the necessary resources for the EU's foreign policy were also discussed in Brussels.

Minister A.Ažubalis encouraged defining more clearly the priorities of the EU’s relations with strategic partners. According to the Minister, it is important to use the new instruments that were provided for the EU’s foreign affairs after the Treaty of Lisbon had entered into force. It is of no less importance to have a common EU position, to maintain a close cooperation with these countries on global issues of mutual interest, but not to sacrifice the EU's fundamental principles, Minster A.Ažubalis noted.

“Energy and regional security should be among the main priorities of the EU’s relations with strategic partners", the head of Lithuania’s diplomacy said.

The ministers exchanged their opinions on how to improve the work organization of Foreign Affairs Council. Minister A.Ažubalis noted that it was important to plan the agendas of the Council meetings for a longer period in advance, for example, six months, to comply with the strategic direction and to consider international issues.

At the meeting, the ministers also discussed the possibilities of strengthening EU's cooperation with Turkey. Minister A.Ažubalis stressed the importance of Turkey’s active participation in ensuring stability in South Caucasus, Western Balkans, Afghanistan and other regions, and expressed positive opinion on the new mechanisms of cooperation with this country.

“At the same time, we should continue to encourage Turkey to implement the reforms related to the negotiations on the EU accession, to and open all the chapters of the negotiations that technically are ready", Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs noted.

On 13 September in Brussels, the EU’s foreign ministers are participating in the EU’s General Affairs Council.