Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Vygaudas Ušackas and Italy’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Franco Frattini discussed perspectives of developing a bilateral dialogue, intensifying economic cooperation, etc.
On 7 September in Vilnius, Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Vygaudas Ušackas and Italy’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Franco Frattini discussed perspectives of developing a bilateral dialogue, intensifying economic cooperation, the European Union’s relations with Belarus and Russia, the issue of Villa Lituania, Lithuania’s pre-war embassy building in Rome.
During the meeting, the Ministers agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation by implementing the declaration on cooperation that was signed by foreign ministries of Lithuania and Italy in June in Rome. It was also agreed to regularly organise bilateral political consultations on key issues of the European Union and international policy.
Ministers V.Ušackas and F.Frattini discussed specific projects, which are scheduled to be implemented on the bilateral basis. Head of Lithuania's diplomacy mentioned that in 2010, a joint meeting of foreign ministers of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) and the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative was intended to be organised, during it the possibilities of joint activities in implementing and creating common EU agenda, discussing infrastructure and energy projects would be deliberated.
“With the aim to intensify trade between Lithuania and Italy as well as relations of businessmen we shall organise bilateral business forums starting with the next year. The first event of the kind with associated structures is planned in 2010,” Minister V.Ušackas said.
According to Minister V.Ušackas, Italy’s experience in other regions of Europe is very important to Lithuania as the country is getting ready to chair the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in 2011 and the EU in 2013.
“Italy is ready to assist us in preparing the experts of the Balkan region. It is especially important as Lithuania is getting ready to chair the OSCE,” said Minister V.Ušackas.
During the EU Presidency and getting ready for the joint meeting of the EU and African countries in 2013, our country will need Italy‘s experience in the area of political analysis of relations with African countries.
Ministers V.Ušackas and F.Frattini discussed the EU relations with neighbouring countries: Belarus and Russia.
During the meeting, the Ministers agreed to solve the issue of Villa Lituania, Lithuania's pre-war embassy building in Rome, as fast as possible and more effectively. Minister F.Frattini indicated that Italy‘s Ministry of Defence would show a few buildings in the centre of Rome in the nearest future and Lithuania would be able to choose from them the best one.
Minister V.Ušackas thanked Italy for helping to guarantee security during the presidential election in Afghanistan’s Ghor Province, by sending almost an additional hundred of soldiers to the province.