"Your Excellency, we highly regard your genuine work over the four years of service in Lithuania. I have no doubts whatsoever that your efforts have taken our bilateral relations up to a new level", said the Prime Minister. It was particularly dynamic and eventful time for Lithuania, including the presidency of the European Union, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), as a non-permanent member, Lithuania was elected to the UN Security Council", noted the Head of Government.
The Prime Minister pointed out the importance of the economic partnership in bilateral relations. "Last year, the United Kingdom was 8th in Lithuania's export partners and 7th on the list of Lithuania's imports. Your country's direct investments in Lithuania amounted to 171 million euros, thus placing the UK 15th by the size of foreign direct investment in Lithuania, and the United Kingdom was the 8th on Lithuanian investors' list. Nevertheless, we still see much untapped potential, therefore we would encourage a greater dialogue between the two countries as regards investments", said the Prime Minister.
The Head of Government noted the value of United Kingdom's support for Lithuania's accession negotiations for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) "Our countries agree on a series of economic and foreign policy issues, and we would appreciate your continued support for our yet another strategic goal – full membership of the OECD.
The Prime Minister also thanked the Ambassador for his close involvement in the British NATO air policing mission in the Baltic States, pointing out that the British troops get very well along with the Lithuanian counterparts and are always welcome in joint drills.
