France engages itself in European leadership with new energy and demonstrates exceptional attention to Lithuania and the Baltic states. Therefore, the meeting between Dalia Grybauskaitė and Emmanuel Macron will add a new quality to strategic partnership between Lithuania and France and will help secure Lithuania’s European interests.
At the bilateral meeting, the two Presidents will discuss proposals for future EU reforms and the most important matters on the EU agenda. Lithuania supports French initiatives to create a stronger and more efficient Europe that would guarantee more security and prosperity to our people.
At the meeting of the Presidents of the three Baltic states and France, international security challenges and defense cooperation will be in the focus. France understands the threats arising to our region and helps to counter them: French troops are deployed at the multinational NATO battalion in Lithuania. In response to the French request, Lithuania contributes to the United Nations’ mission in Mali where our troops help to ensure international peace and stability.
In Paris, Dalia Grybauskaitė will also meet with Secretary-General of the OECD Angel Gurría and will present to the OECD Council Lithuania’s progress in pursuing membership in this prestigious organization. According to the President, Lithuania has done all its homework: reviewed over 200 pieces of legislation, amended 50 laws in total and implemented important reforms. There is no doubt, therefore, we will become a member of the OECD. The organization unites economically developed and innovative states of the world, and Lithuania’s membership will enhance its international influence, contribute to economic growth, attracting investment and creating new jobs.
In Paris, President Dalia Grybauskaitė, President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron as well as the Presidents of Latvia and Estonia will open an exposition of Baltic Symbolism at the Musee d’Orsay dedicated to the centennial of Baltic statehoods. One of the most internationally renowned museums, which annually attracts some three million visitors from all over the world, will exhibit paintings of Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis, Petras Kalpokas, Antanas Žmuidzinavičius, Adomas Varnas, Ferdinandas Ruščicas, Boleslovas Buika, works of other artists and arrange concerts of Lithuanian musicians. Last time, the art of the three Baltic states was presented in Paris at the World Expo in 1937.
