Baltic States – CIS, EU – Baltic States, EU – CIS, Integration, Lithuania, Transport, Ukraine

Viktor Yanukovych and Irena Degutiene. Kiev, 7.09.2010.

In the capital of Ukraine, Kiev, Head of the Lithuanian Seimas Irena Degutiene discussed bilateral economic relations, improvement of business environment and opportunities for joint bilateral transport projects with President Viktor Yanukovych and Prime Minister Nikolai Azarov.

"We are delighted that European integration remains a priority of the Ukrainian foreign policy. Thus, we expect the Ukraine-European Union free trade agreement to be the first such agreement of the European Union and a country of the eastern neighborhood and to ensure the widest possible free trade arrangements," Degutiene said.

The head of the Seimas noted that Lithuania was ready to provide Ukraine with support in the euro integration area and to help to do the so-called "homework", writes LETA/ELTA.

At the meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Nikolai Azarov, bilateral economic cooperation and obstacles for its strengthening were discussed.

"We are pleased that during the first half of this year, as compared with the same period last year, Lithuanian exports to Ukraine increased by 59%. However, there are barriers obscuring this favorable data, and measures restricting trade," Degutiene said.

On Tuesday, Irena Degutiene will also meet with Lithuanian honorary consuls in Ukraine and representatives of Lithuanian community.

The head of the Seimas will return to Vilnius late in the evening.