Baltic States – CIS, EU – Baltic States, Forum, Legislation, Lithuania

Catherine Ashton and Dalia Grybauskaite. Vilnius, 5.09.2013. Photo: lrp.lt

"Lithuania is preparing intensively and very responsibly for the Vilnius Summit which will be held in November. It is one of the largest and most important events of the Lithuanian EU Presidency. This summit can open a new phase and new opportunities for interaction between the European Union and Eastern neighbors. To this end, we need active engagement and close cooperation among Eastern partners, EU member states and EU institutions," the President said.

According to the President, political cooperation between the EU and Eastern Partnership countries is mutually beneficial. Through its support to the ongoing political, economic and social reforms in Eastern neighboring countries and stronger relations with them, the European Union contributes to building a secure neighborhood. Close collaborative contacts will advance the development of economic ties between the EU and its Eastern partners, expand investment by both sides and facilitate travels for people.

The meeting also focused on preparations for December's European Council Summit on security and defence issues.