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On 7 May in Prague, Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Vygaudas Ušackas took part in the summit of the European Union and Eastern European heads of State or Government, during which the Eastern Partnership initiative was officially launched.

During the Prague summit, the joint declaration of the heads of the EU member states and Eastern Neighbourhood countries – Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine – was adopted, challenges and possibilities of economic cooperation were discussed.

Minister V.Ušackas stressed that the present day started a new chapter in the history of relations between the EU and Eastern European countries.

“The launching of the new cooperation initiative is a strategic step towards creating the necessary conditions to accelerate political association between the EU and the Eastern European countries, further economic integration and lasting stability and security in the region,” said V.Ušackas.

The Minister stressed that the new cooperation framework was especially important at the moment, because the current economic situation was complicated.

“We can meet the challenges of the financial crisis and economic downturn only by joining efforts,” emphasized V.Ušackas.

According to the Minister, while implementing the Eastern Partnership initiative it is important to uphold the principle of openness, therefore, establishment of free trade zones and liberalization of the visa regime would effectively contribute to the deepening of relations and people-to-people contacts.

“We can achieve effective results only by a common endeavour, therefore, not just the EU member states, but also their neighbours in the East should make strenuous efforts in order to implement the necessary reforms and to respect the undertaken commitments,” spoke V. Ušackas.

The Eastern Partnership initiative provides a brand new dimension in the EU policy, which will complement the EU relations with Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. The EU will develop its ties with these countries on a case-by-case basis, taking into account their aspirations and the progress achieved.

The Eastern Partnership initiative envisages establishment of free trade zones, visa regime facilitation, additional financing and promotion of multilateral cooperation.