"Recently, Lithuania and the UAE expanded their bilateral cooperation - the double taxation avoidance agreement was signed last year and the negotiations on a bilateral investment promotion agreement are being finalised. When we provide for the legal basis, we will have built solid foundations for the advancement of our economic relationship," L.Linkevičius said.
The Foreign Ministers dedicated a lot of attention to emerging security challenges in Europe and the Middle East. L.Linkevičius positively evaluated the UAE's role in the Middle East and noted the importance of the country's active contribution to efforts to ensure stability in this troubled region. The UAE is the first Arab country to open a mission at the NATO headquarters in 2013. The UAE actively participates in the mission in Afghanistan and has made a major contribution to NATO's operations in Libya.
L.Linkevičius also drew attention to ongoing processes in Ukraine.
The Foreign Ministers discussed their joint achievements aimed to facilitate the visa regime for citizens of the European Union and the UAE. In 2013, during Lithuania's Presidency of the EU Council, Lithuania brokered talks between the EU institutions and a decision was taken to introduce visa-free travel for citizens of the UAE to the Schengen area. This year, the UAE has also waved visa requirements for citizens of EU countries on arrival, including Lithuania. It is expected that this will open up new opportunities for interchanges between the countries.
The UAE Foreign Minister also thanked Lithuania for its support for the UAE's candidacy to host the World Expo 2020 in Dubai.
