Press Releases

Lithuania and Slovenia united by shared history, similar aspirations and common interests

"It is symbolic that on the eve of March 11, the Day of Restoration of Independence of Lithuania, Vilnius is visited by the head of the state independence of which Lithuania was among the first to recognise in 1991. Slovenia was also among the first states to recognise the independent Republic of Lithuania. This is a manifestation that our two nations are united by similar history, aspirations and goals," President Dalia Grybauskaitė said.

In the meeting, Lithuania's and Slovenia's Presidents discussed energy security issues, exchanged views on the international financial and economic situation, discussed prospects of bilateral relations, the European Neighbourhood Policy, as well as national and European anti-crisis plans.

Lithuania's and Slovenia's leaders expressed support for a stronger European common energy policy. President Grybauskaitė underlined that the decision adopted by the EU Energy Council on 9 December 2009 to establish the EU Energy Agency would make a significant contribution to the creation of a single European market for electricity.

President Grybauskaitė welcomed the fact that the President of Slovenia was accompanied by a large delegation of entrepreneurs. According to the President, the new opportunities for bilateral cooperation that are being opened up will help to ensure better use of the potential of economic relations between the two states. Lithuania's leader was interested in Slovenia's experience in adopting the European single currency, euro, and in developing economic relations in the Balkans.

Other topics covered included Lithuanian-Slovenian cooperation within international organizations, Slovenia's experience of holding presidency of the EU and OSCE, and Lithuania's preparedness to take over presidency of OSCE in 2001, and of the EU in the second half of 2013.

Today afternoon, Slovenia's President will have a meeting with the Speaker of the Seimas, Irena Degutienė, and Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius, and will visit the Antakalnis Cemetery to pay honour to the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for the Independence and to lay a wreath at their graves.

In the evening, President Türk will participate in Lithuanian-Slovenian Business Forum and visit the University of Vilnius to meet with Alma Mater academic community.

On March 11, Slovenia's President will take part in the commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of Restoration of Lithuania's Independence.