Lithuanian formin: economic crisis commits EU consider closer cooperation with Eastern neighbors
Updated 2009-03-30
VILNIUS, Mar 28, BNS - Lithuanian Foreign Minister Vygaudas Usackas told his European Union (EU) colleagues in Prague on Saturday that the current economic crisis commits the EU to consider more intensive cooperation with Eastern neighbors.
The Lithuanian diplomat stressed the importance of proper preparations for formal opening of the EU Eastern Partnership, at the same time noting the need of starting considering possible cooperation projects, the Foreign Ministry said.
"The economic crisis is obligating us more than ever before think about more intensive cooperation with the EU's Eastern neighbors to guarantee stability and energy security in EU Eastern Neighborhood," said Usackas.
According to the press release, EU diplomats discussed Belarus' participation in the Eastern Partnership initiative, which the country was invited to along with other five Eastern neighbors of the organization, namely, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine.
The Eastern Partnership initiative, in Usackas' words, should develop into an efficient practical tool for encouraging Belarus to draw closer to the EU and contribute to development of a more open society and observance of principles of human right and democracy. The official start of the initiative is planned for a joint summit of EU and its Eastern neighbors in Prague on May 7.
Other issues on Saturday's agenda included preparations for the April 5 meeting between EU leaders and US President Barack Obama. The meeting should address the most topical and strategic matters including the economic and financial situation, energy security and climate change, as well as international political issues.
Usackas stressed that the upcoming EU-US summit provided a perfect opportunity for a "new positive impetus in the relations between Europe and America."
"The EU wants and is able to be a strong partner of the US," said Usackas.
The Lithuanian minister and EU colleagues also discussed the Middle East peace process, EU enlargement and other international matters. In the discussion of the peace process of the Middle East, the minister accentuated Lithuania's support of the idea of peaceful coexistence of Israel and Palestine. The diplomat expressed certitude that the peace process should be continued and, as soon as the conditions are favorable,
both countries should open negotiations.
"Whatever the line-up of the new Israeli government, it has to proceed with the talks on establishment of the Palestinian state," said the Lithuanian diplomacy chief.
