Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevičius noted Lithuania's excellent cooperation with the world Jewish community. "We jointly deal with complex issues, commemorate the painful historical dates, we together celebrate our holidays, and our discussions always lead us to concrete results", said the Lithuanian Prime Minister.
The Head of Government informed the Israeli counterpart about Lithuanian Government's efforts to continue works at the territory of Šnipiškės cemetery by building a memorial, and adjusting the Vilnius Concert and Sports Palace to congress needs. The Prime Minister assured that full respect will be ensured as regards the cemetery, and the memorial will perpetuate both the history of the Lithuanian Jews and the old cemetery of Šnipiškės.
Another item discussed by the Prime Ministers was economic cooperation, with particular focus on scientific potential. The Prime Ministers welcomed the doubling of the bilateral trade, accounting for Eur 43.9 million in 2014, as well as growing cooperation in specific fields of innovation, research, transport, energy, tourism, synergy between business and science, and advanced technologies.
"We would very much welcome your investments in research valleys and free economic zones operating in Lithuania, and we certainly invite Israeli high-tech businesses to come to Lithuania to get a first-hand information and see the available investment opportunities here", said the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister pointed out Lithuania's importance as a gateway to the European Union market. "We happen to be among the leading Baltic transport hubs, besides, our country is crossed by two international transport corridors – East-West and North-South. They lead to both Western as well as Eastern European markets, which makes us an attractive transit country with excellent logistics infrastructure", noted the Prime Minister.
The interlocutors also discussed the issue of LNG imports from Israel. Israel has recently discovered large quantity of natural gas, and plans to start its production in 2016, but it is still unclear how the export might be effected.
Israel currently produces electrical energy mainly from fossil fuels. According to Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevičius, only 2.6 percent of its electricity comes from renewable sources, but Israel expects to increase it, and Lithuania could come to aid in this respect, as it can offer locally produced solar modules.
