During their meeting, the two presidents will discuss bilateral political, economic and cultural cooperation. Special focus will be placed on topical issues of the Baltic Sea region, energy matters and relations with eastern neighbors. Among the other topics of discussion will be the priority areas of Lithuania's EU Presidency and the European Union's key tasks.
"Germany is a special partner of Lithuania. We are bound by strong political and economic ties and united by responsible approach to the future of the European Union. Germany supports the Lithuanian Presidency priorities. Together we want to deliver as soon as possible the solutions that important to EU people and targeted at overcoming unemployment, ensuring financial stability and boosting growth," the President said.
Joachim Gauck is arriving with a prominent business delegation. On Friday, July 12, at 10 a.m., the Presidents of Lithuania and Germany will open a bilateral business forum at the Presidential Palace. Germany is Lithuania's second largest trading partner and the third biggest investor in Lithuania.
Other issues on the meeting's agenda include cultural cooperation between Lithuania and Germany, in particular the possibility of commemorating together the 300th anniversary of the birth of Kristijonas Donelaitis.
On Saturday, July 13, at 17:00 hours, President Dalia Grybauskaitė and President Joachim Gauck will open the 17th International Thomas Mann Festival in Nida. They will also meet with members of the artistic and cultural community.
President Dalia Grybauskaitė and President Joachim Gauck will exchange state decorations.
Programme of the visit of President Joachim Gauck and information for the media
Thursday, July 11
10:00 Official welcoming ceremony in the Courtyard of the Presidential Palace (photo and video opportunity)
10:10 Official photo in the White Hall. Signing of the guest book (photo and video opportunity)
10:15 Tête-à-tête meeting of the Presidents of Lithuania and Germany in the Blue Hall (photo and video opportunity at the beginning of the meeting)
10:35 Bilateral meeting of delegations led by the Presidents (photo and video opportunity at the beginning of the meeting)
11:20 Joint press conference of the Presidents of Lithuania and Germany
19:00 State dinner hosted by the President of the Republic of Lithuania
Friday, July 12
10:00 Presidents of Lithuania and Germany open the business forum at the Column Hall of the President Palace
Saturday, July 13
17:00 Presidents of Lithuania and Germany open the 17 International Thomas Mann Festival in Nida.
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