President Petro Poroshenko expressed gratitude to President of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaite for a constant personal support for our country and tireless efforts in support of the Ukrainian nation and our common struggle against Russian aggression, which endangers both Ukraine and our European neighbors.
“Let me express words of sincere gratitude to the Lithuanian side for the unwavering active support and comprehensive aid for Ukraine, for a fruitful and constructive cooperation,” Petro Poroshenko said at the joint press conference following the negotiations with the President of Lithuania.
“Today’s session of the Council of Presidents of Ukraine and Lithuania traditionally had a truly friendly nature. We have frankly discussed the most topical issues of our cooperation,” Petro Poroshenko noted.
The President underlined the importance of that taking into account the EU Council’s session that is to be held on December 15 in Brussels discussing a series of extremely important issues for Ukraine. Particularly, speeding up the ratification of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU.
“We praise the progress demonstrated in November-December in the issues of the visa-free regime for Ukraine,” the President noted recalling the compromise reached between the European Commission, member-states and European Parliament regarding the visa-free regime suspension mechanism, which finally sets the “green light” for Ukrainians to have a right to visa-free travel in the Schengen area.
The Head of State informed that the agreements achieved in all directions of Ukraine-Lithuania cooperation had been affixed in the “roadmap” of strategic partnership development, which provided for the clear steps in 2017 and 2018. “This document is a meaningful and clear plan of our common interaction,” he emphasized.
“We agreed about the efficient coordination of our actions in the issues of energy security. As for today, it is extremely important for us that Ukraine’s position regarding the falsity of the European Commission’s decision that will allow Gazprom to increase gas pumping through OPAL is backed up. It may also pave the way for the implementation of the second stage of the Nord Stream 2, which has no economic basis, but only the political one that will continue the hybrid war, expansion and embargo on trade relations in order to inflict economic damage on Ukraine and other countries belonging to the European Union,” the Head of State stressed.
The President reminded that today is the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Lithuania: “We can be proud of our achievements over these 25 years. First is exceptional strategic partnership between Ukraine and Lithuania. Intensification of economic cooperation between our countries is also significant. Our countries coordinate efforts on the international level fruitfully as well”.
Petro Poroshenko underscored strong interpersonal ties between the Presidents, Governments and our nations.
The Head of State reminded that the Presidents would take part in the Ukraine-Lithuania business forum today. According to him, the Ukrainian authorities demonstrate resolute steps on improving the investment climate and fighting corruption. He is confident that the “first features, first grains of intensification of economic ties between Ukraine and Lithuania after today’s forum will be further boosted”.
“We are confident in continuing close cooperation with Lithuania, one of our key partners in the EU, our reliable ally and sincere friend. And the biggest Eurooptimist in the EU along with Ukraine,” Petro Poroshenko said.
In her turn, the President of Lithuania noted the importance and symbolic character of today’s day - the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Lithuania.
“We are rooting for the final decision regarding the visa-free regime for Ukrainians to be able to travel to Europe freely,” Dalia Grybauskaitė said. She is hopeful that the given decision will be finally adopted next year.
The President of Lithuania noted that the European Council would also discuss the implementation and ratification of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU. She called it an “important mechanism capable of creating better conditions for Ukrainian business and increasing trade turnover between Ukraine and the EU countries”. According to her, Lithuania will support Ukraine in that issue.
The President of Lithuania noted significant achievements in the reforms in Ukraine and emphasized the need for continuing them, especially in the sphere of fighting corruption. She urged politicians and civil society to continue that struggle actively.
“Only jointly can you overcome this dangerous cancer, which inhibits your development,” Dalia Grybauskaitė said and emphasized that her country was willing to help us in that struggle.
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