The Lithuanian President has underlined that Lithuania particularly appreciates Switzerland's non-recognition of the Soviet occupation of the Baltic States and thanked her Swiss counterpart for continuous support and financial assistance. In the period 2007-2012 alone, over 150 million litas were allocated to our country. The largest part of this support was used in health care sector, in particular for improving the quality and accessibility of the care and services for pregnant women and newborns.

"Since the regaining of independence, Lithuania has always felt Switzerland's strong support. With assistance of this country, a number of our health care institutions have gained better quality and greater accessibility. Although lasers made by Lithuanian scientists are used in research and manufacturing of watches and clocks in Switzerland, today we still have a huge unused potential of cooperation," the President said.

With respect to economic collaboration, the President stressed that Lithuania's exports to Switzerland increased by one-fourth and imports by 27 percent last year, however Switzerland ranks only 14th in investments and 27th in trade volumes in our country. This fact, according to the President, is an obvious proof that both states do not fully exploit their economic potential and, therefore, it is important to encourage Swiss business people not to be afraid to invest in Lithuania, the country whose economy is one of the fastest growing in the European Union. Speaking about sectors having potential for investment, the President distinguished not only high technologies, but also textile, furniture and food industries.

Dalia Grybauskaitė acquainted the President of Switzerland, the country which always highlights the importance of good relations with the European Union, with the priorities of Lithuanian Presidency of the EU Council. She pointed out that the Lithuanian presidency would seek to launch negotiations with third countries on the exchange of information in order to prevent tax evasion and abuse of tax reliefs.

Switzerland is one of major partners of the European Union, having signed bilateral cooperation agreements. Most of the EU's acquis communautaire is effective in this state. Since 2009 Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area.

Press Service of the President

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