Visits

Working visit by President Dalia Grybauskaitė to the Republic of France, 4 September 2009

During her working visit to France, President of the Republic of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaitė and President of the Republic of France Nicolas Sarkozy signed a strategic partnership agreement which is the first document of this kind in the history of the two countries.

The political declaration states that the governments of the two countries will draw up a concrete action plan.

"Lithuania must use all opportunities that it has, to deepen its relations with the leading countries of the European Union, and France is one of them. I hope this Declaration will not remain on paper but will yield very concrete results," the President of Lithuania said.

Both countries will develop the EU dialogue with Southern and Eastern neighbours, with particular focus on the Eastern Partnership Initiative and further development of the EU' Mediterranean Programme.

France agrees that Lithuanian energy must be integrated into the EU energy market as soon as possible. In consideration of the importance of nuclear energy and the intentions of both countries to implement new nuclear energy projects, Lithuania and France will enhance cooperation in the area of civil nuclear energy.

In defence and military matters, both countries will make joint effort to strengthen the European Security and Defence Policy, as well as hold consultations on NATO reform with a view to a stronger EU and NATO.

Lithuania and France will pursue the goal of developing military forces in Europe and strengthening the European defence technological and industrial base.

On the same day, President Dalia Grybauskaitė attended a summer session meeting of MEDEF (French Business Confederation) and delivered a report titled "Freedom, the only value that has withstood the test of time", in Paris.

Speaking about freedom as a value that withstood all tests of time, President Grybauskaitė underscored its importance for economic growth and prosperity. Every crisis also means an opportunity to reconsider the investment strategy and adapt to new market needs, the President said.

"Lithuania has already reached the bottom of the downturn. Now we have to climb up by taking resolute steps and implementing structural reforms," President Grybauskaitė said. "The year 2010 promises to be easier for Europe, but European politicians will have yet to make more efforts to help their national businesses survive."

MEDEF is the largest business organization in France, which includes large and medium-sized companies operating in such different areas as industrial production, energy, construction, banking, and others.