On Wednesday, Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, met Lithuanian Defense Minister Rasa Jukneviciene

13 April 2011, 16:51

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On Wednesday, Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, met  Lithuanian Defense Minister Rasa Juknevičienė.

 

In the beginning of the meeting, V.Lytvyn characterized Ukrainian-Lithuanin relations as a strategic partnership, stating that inter-parliamentary liaison was dynamically developing. Last year, heads of supreme legislatures of Ukraine and Lithuania met several times. "These days the parliaments are playing a key role in the process of integration, since fruitful and long-lasting relations should be well-grounded," the Head of the Ukrainian Parliament stressed.

 

The Defense Minister stated, "Although Lithuania is located in a rather different geopolitical space, cooperation with Ukraine is strategic." "We consider Ukraine a part of Europe in light of cooperation and security. Our future should be linked."

 

Ms. Rasa Juknevičienė highly appreciated the level of cooperation in the military sector, especially, in the implementation of common projects and peacemaking operations under the aegis of NATO. 

 

The Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine dwelled upon the European security. He stated that this issue is not restricted to one country, so Ukraine should take part in the development of a new European security architecture.

 

V.Lytvyn also reminded that although Ukraine is non-aligned, it cooperates with NATO on a wide array of issues. According to the Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the Parliament will shortly scrutinize the bill on admission of foreign troops for training in the territory of Ukraine.

 

V.Lytvyn stated that Ukraine fruitfully cooperates with the European Union with the view of finalizing the agreements on association and free trade zone.

 

The Parties also discussed terrorism counteraction, as this issue became topical after the tragic events in Minsk. They also debated the energy security matters which unite both countries and require cooperation.