According to the Prime Minister, it is symbolic that Mr Balanescu is finishing his work in Lithuania at the end of the Romanian Presidency of the EU Council. The Head of Government has expressed appreciation of the good Presidency pointing out the same priorities of both countries for the EU’s Eastern Partnership or regional security.
‘The bilateral cooperation between Lithuania and Romania is vibrant at all levels. Over six and a half years of your work in Lithuania, we have had many high-level exchanges, regular consultations, active inter-parliamentary cooperation’, noted Saulius Skvernelis.
The Prime Minister has recalled the productive visit of Romanian Prime Minister Viorica Dancila last June, during which important issues of bilateral relations, regional security, the European Union, etc. were discussed.
The parties have noted the importance of both the political dialogue and the practical cooperation. The trade figures have been steadily growing ever since 2009. In 2017, the trade turnover hit 162 million. Last year, it went up by another 20%, reaching 197 million euros. This year, the growth trend has also been confirmed by the data from the first quarter of 2019. The Prime Minister welcomed the established Lithuanian-Romanian Business Council.
The Prime Minister has welcomed the good cooperation within the European Union and NATO, which is expected to continue to grow. Romania has participated in regional exercises contributing to NATO’s forward presence in Poland.
As regards the EU context, the main challenges relate to Brexit and the negotiations on the new multiannual financial framework. Lithuania is unhappy about the current proposals to substantially reduce funding for cohesion and agricultural policy.
The Prime Minister wished the outgoing Romanian Ambassador success in his future endeavours.
