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

Volodymyr Lytvyn and Dalia Grybauskaite. Vilnius, 8.10.2010.

The President expressed hope that the ongoing misunderstandings in Ukraine about its Constitution would be cleared in a transparent and democratic manner and by involving all parties concerned. "Ukraine is an important partner of Lithuania and the European Union. We support the Europe-bound path chosen by Ukraine and hope your country will continue following this path and will successfully implement the required democratic and structural reforms. Lithuania is ready to help and share its euro-integration experience," President Dalia Grybauskaite said at the meeting.

According to the President, Ukraine's trade with Europe accounts for one-third of Ukraine's overall foreign trade, and for this reason alone, Ukraine should be interested in maximally close integration with the European Union and successful negotiations for a free trade agreement.

Noting that international business companies were highly interested in cargo transportation between Klaipeda and Odessa Seaports by a shuttle-train "Viking", the President underlined this would open up vast possibilities to increase cargo flows between the Baltic and the Black Sea regions. But, the President said, over-lengthy and complicated customs procedures in Ukraine are an obstacle. According to the President, if customs' work is made more efficient and more stations are established in other Ukrainian seaports and are subject to special tariffs, the opportunity to increase shipments by the shuttle-train will be real.

President of the Republic of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaite extended a written congratulation to participants of the Third Session of the Lithuanian-Polish-Ukrainian Parliamentary Assembly. This time, the theme of the Assembly was energy security, the press service of the president reports.

"2010 is a special year for Lithuania, for the three Baltic states and for this assembly. It not only marks the fifth anniversary of the Trilateral Parliamentary Assembly, but also celebrates the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Zalgiris - a proud anniversary that we commemorated in July with all our countries represented in the jubilee events," the President underlined.

According to the President, only by working together and by finding new effective solutions to secure energy supplies and use them our states – Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine - will establish real energy independence and, at the same time, political independence. "Investing into energy security does not provide immediate results. However, I am deeply convinced that our continued long-term focus on energy projects means investment into the national security of each of our countries as well as the security and stability of the entire region for decades to come," the President said.