Baltic States – CIS, Energy, EU – Baltic States, Lithuania

"The link between energy and the foreign policy is more than obvious. It is not a secret that Lithuania feels negative political and economic effects of such link," said Azubalis.

For the first time in the Foreign Affairs Council meeting, Monday, ministers discussed how to relate the EU's foreign policy with energy policy, reports BC Lithuanian MFA.

Azubalis stressed that the EU has to speak unanimously with the resource suppliers and with countries through which the productions is exported. It also has to comply with the principle of solidarity and to ensure the equal conditions for all suppliers. In addition, all member States should share information about agreements with the third countries.

The ministers also discussed the EU co-operation with Eastern Partnership countries of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. During Lithuania's EU Presidency third EU-Eastern Partnership summit will be held in Vilnius.

Azubalis said that before the meeting the Eastern Partnership countries must continue the reforms and the EU should keep an eye on the region in order to achieve significant progress.

The ministers also discussed the EU's common security and defence policy and progress. They also condemned the increasing violence against civilians in Syria, reviewed the situation in Egypt and discussed further cooperation with Libya after the recently held parliamentary elections.