On 20 April Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Petras Vaitiekunas paid an official visit to Uzbekistan, where he was received by President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov, Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of Uzbek Parliament Erkin Halilov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Vladimir Norov.

During the meetings important issues of bilateral and regional cooperation, and international policy were discussed, Foreign Ministry of Lithuania reported.

The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania and Uzbekistan indicated that the visit, which was organized on the eve of the 15th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations, was an important step in the development of bilateral dialogue.

During the meeting Minister P.Vaitiekunas stressed that the existing legal basis of bilateral agreements is a good foundation for the development of economic cooperation. The trade turnover of the countries does not fulfil their economic potential, as in 2006 the turnover of Lithuanian and Uzbek trade amounted to 95.4 million Lithuanian litas (UzDaily.com: According to Uzbek statistic data, trade turnover between states made up US$42.1 million in 2006). The Minister expressed hope that during the Lithuanian-Uzbek Business Forum the businessmen would establish direct contacts, which would help to intensify economic cooperation.

Minister V.Norov emphasized that in Uzbekistan there are 15 joint Lithuanian-Uzbek companies. Lithuanian businessmen are valued in Uzbekistan as trustworthy partners. Successful Lithuania’s integration into the European Union provides new opportunities to develop cooperation.

Stressing that Uzbekistan is interested to develop cooperation with the EU, Minister V.Norov complimented on Lithuanian success in the EU.

The Head of Lithuanian diplomacy indicated that Lithuania is ready to share its experience and opportunities, which arose due to its membership in NATO and the EU. The Heads of diplomacy also exchanged opinions on the preparation of the EU strategy for relations with countries of Central Asia and agreed that it should be directed towards investment projects.

They named cooperation projects in the areas of education, science and culture as important.

During the meeting it was agreed to make better use of activities of intergovernmental trade and economic cooperation, as well as of transport commissions. The countries are striving to enhance cooperation in the areas of transport, processing and light industry, small and medium business, and tourism infrastructure.

While exchanging opinions on regional cooperation, Minister P.Vaitiekunas stressed the importance of bilateral cooperation fighting against global threats and challenges.

Minister P.Vaitiekunas invited Uzbekistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs to Lithuania.

Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of Uzbek Parliament E. Halilov indicated that Uzbekistan appreciated Lithuania as an important partner not only in the Baltic region, but also in the whole EU. During the meeting the necessity was highlighted to develop cooperation not just between governmental institutions, but also between parliamentary friendship groups and representatives of society.

Speaker E. Halilov remarked that Lithuania was the first country to acknowledge the independence of Uzbekistan and establish diplomatic relations.

On 20 April Minister P.Vaitiekunas also met with Lithuanian community and its president KÄ™stutis KerÄ—jevas. Memebers of the community, which is comprised of almost 1000 Lithuanians, told the history of Lithuanians settling down in Uzbekistan, and shared their concerns.  Minister P.Vaitiekunas visited a catholic church where services are held in the Lithuanian language.