Ukraine and Lithuania will cooperate within the Eastern Partnership, introducing specific bilateral and multilateral projects, reads the Joint Statement issued by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Kostiantyn Hryshchenko and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania Audronius Azubalis concerning Ukraine's European integration, UKRINFORM reported quoting the Foreign Ministry's press-service.
"Ukraine and Lithuania will continue cooperation in strengthening the democratic transformations in Ukraine, based on democratic pluralism, the rule of law, respect for basic freedoms and human rights," the document says.
As noted, the Republic of Lithuania will continue to provide a consistent and strong support for implementation of Ukraine's European integration goals, including achieving future membership in the European Union. The sides noted the current priorities of Ukraine-EU dialogue, such as concluding an Association Agreement, including a deep and comprehensive free trade area, the introduction of visa-free regime, and agreed to cooperate actively with a view to their rapid and full implementation.
Within the Eastern Partnership, in particular, the Flagship Initiative on the Integrated Border Management, Ukraine and the Republic of Lithuania will cooperate in the promotion of multilateral projects in the areas of simplification of customs and transit procedures. They parties also support the Regional Energy Markets and Energy Efficiency initiative as an important component of the Eastern Partnership, said the statement.
Additionally, the sides will also intensify cooperation in the framework of the Standing Ukrainian-Lithuanian Commission on European Integration, using the experience of Lithuania in its path toward European integration in various administrative and technical areas. Ukraine would welcome the Lithuanian contribution to the implementation of the Programme of a Comprehensive Institutional Development Ukraine - EU. The Republic of Lithuania will provide support to Ukraine in implementing the technical conditions that must be provided by Ukraine before the introduction of visa-free regime, as envisaged by a two-phase Action Plan.
According to the instrument, the parties agreed to hold annual bilateral consultations on cooperation between Ukraine and the European Union on various issues, including trade, visa, etc. Representatives of other ministries and government institutions may also participate in these consultations.
The parties will also continue a dialogue on regional and international agenda, particularly in the context of Ukraine's position regarding the accession to EU statements on the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and its interest in participating in operations under the CFSP.
UKRINFIRM
