"Ukraine has made its decision and chose a European future. The people voted in large numbers in the very first round of elections and demonstrated that they wanted peace and stability - which is very significant for Lithuania as well. It is now important to pursue the path of reforms and progress because only it can guarantee national security and a qualitatively better life for the people. Lithuania knows very well the price of freedom and we therefore firmly support Ukraine's aspiration to be a strong and self-dependent state," the President said.
Lithuania consistently supports Ukraine, and its experts contribute to the implementation of democratic reforms. Lithuania has established and provides financing to the European integration studies centers in Lviv and Donetsk, and the Euro-Atlantic information center in Odessa. Lithuania has implemented three EU-funded projects in Ukraine. It also provides support for the development of democracy and grants scholarships to Ukrainian students.
Lithuania and Ukraine are linked by close economic cooperation. Ukraine is among Lithuania's twenty largest trading partners, and ranks ninth with respect to Lithuanian direct investments.
According to Dalia Grybauskaitė, the new Ukrainian President will have to do a lot of important work: to restore peace and stability in the country as well as to deal with no less critical economic challenges. Lithuania and the European Union stand ready to assist Ukraine in every possible way, however Ukraine, too, has to fulfill the commitments assumed and carry out the necessary reforms.
The free trade segment of the Association Agreement between the European Union and Ukraine is expected to be signed at the European Council at the end of June. It will open one of the largest markets in the world to the people of Ukraine.
The President underlined that Ukraine had to implement a constitutional reform, ensure the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, and to fight corruption. The European Union will make 11 billion euros available under the financial perspective 2014-2020 for Ukraine to carry the reforms through. These funds will help stabilize the country's economy and will ensure a successful euro-integration process.
According to the President, the united support given by the European Union and the United States is key not only for Ukraine's domestic stability, but also with respect to countering the threats arising outside of Ukraine. In the light of the ongoing military actions on Ukrainian territory, one of the major challenges is to ensure peace and security.
Taking part in the inauguration of the President of Ukraine are also the presidents of Germany, Poland, Austria, Slovenia Moldova, Romania, and Georgia, European Council President Herman Van Rompuy, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, the prime ministers of Canada, Latvia, Hungary, and Estonia, as well as the foreign ministers of France, Luxembourg, Finland, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic.
