The meeting focused on the EU-Turkey relations, Turkey's European integration process, the development of bilateral economic ties between the two countries, cooperation within NATO, and the situation in Syria and Egypt.
"Turkey is an important partner of Lithuania, EU and NATO, playing a significant role in securing stability in the Middle East region. This country is also an important economic partner for Lithuania. Intensive business relations with this growing economy with nearly 80 million consumers, cooperation in the fields of trade, transport and tourism open up new opportunities for Lithuanian people," the President said.
Lithuania and Turkey enjoy successful collaboration within NATO. Turkey actively supports Lithuania's initiatives in fighting threats to energy security. It is one of the NATO's partners who strongly backed our country in seeking the status of the NATO centre of excellence for the Vilnius-based Energy Security Centre. A Turkish expert is participating in the activities of the Centre.
The President and the Minister also reviewed the bilateral business relations. A bilateral memorandum whereby Turkey joined the shuttle train Viking project was signed this spring during President Abdullah Gül's visit in Lithuania. After launching regular freight transportation route between Turkey and Klaipėda, Lithuania will become a strategic European transport hub as well as Turkey's gates to the Northern Europe.
During his visit to Lithuania in April, the Turkish President was accompanied by a large delegation consisting of more than 100 business people. The Lithuanian-Turkish business forum was held which resulted in established new business contacts and useful economic ties.
The Lithuanian Presidency supports Turkey's EU accession process and speaks up for resuming the talks. According to President Dalia Grybauskaitė, successful and fruitful progress in negotiations largely depends on Turkey's accomplishments and ability to carry out major reforms and deliver on its commitments.
The President further underlined that Turkey's contribution to the EU's common security and defence policies was important in promoting the dialogue between the European Union and NATO. Turkey has participated in six missions of the European Union in Macedonia, Congo and Bosnia. The strengthening of the EU-NATO cooperation is one of the Lithuanian Presidency's priorities in the field of security.
