Baltic States – CIS, Energy, EU – Baltic States, Legislation, Lithuania, Transport, Ukraine

Algirdas Butkevičius and Viktor Yanukovych. Vilnius, 6.02.2013. Photo: lrv.lt

According to Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevičius, Lithuania fully supports the EU-Ukraine dialogue towards the signing of this Agreement.

“The Ukrainian Government declares its commitment to follow the path of the European integration. However, Ukraine's success in euro-integration depends primarily on Ukraine's determination to undertake political, economic and legal reforms and to ensure democratic development. The EU has made it clear that Ukraine's success and progress towards political and economic integration, and thus the Association Agreement, will depend on the extent of adherence to common democratic values, and respect for the rule of law”, – said the Prime Minister.

The interlocutors have also agreed to share experience in energy policy, and commended the Ukrainian-Lithuanian cooperation in economy and transport. “One of the most effective examples of the long-term relations between Lithuania and Ukraine is cooperation in transport. To mark the tenth anniversary of the railway project Viking, an international conference has been scheduled for 28 February. It is important to continue our cooperation in this area", – said the Prime Minister.

The Lithuanian Prime Minister and the President of Ukraine have also discussed a possibility of setting up a permanent Lithuanian-Ukrainian business forum. According to the Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevičius and President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych, it would be an effective instrument for strengthening economic cooperation and business relations.