JOINT STATEMENT

by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Mr. Kostyantyn Gryshchenko

and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania Mr. Audronius Ažubalis

on Ukraine‘s European Integration

Taking into account the Joint Declarations by the Presidents of Ukraine and the Republic of Lithuania, and the Protocols of the Second and Third Sessions of the Council of Presidents of Ukraine and the Republic of Lithuania, qualifying the close relations between Ukraine and the Republic of Lithuania as strategic partnership and reiterating mutual aspirations to enhance comprehensive cooperation between the two countries,

Pursuing for the new impetus to friendly relations between Ukraine and the Republic of Lithuania and,

Recognizing the particular importance Ukraine has for the European Union and the overall stability and democratic development of the region, as well as the European Union’s importance for Ukraine’s development as stable, prosperous and democratic country,

Remaining committed to the enhancement of Ukraine’s European integration process and ready to engage together in promoting reforms needed to Ukraine’s democratic development, stability and return to economic growth,

Building upon the opportunities provided by the Eastern Partnership, as a multilateral format of cooperation to assist Ukraine’s integration into the EU, and looking forward to both Parties’ continuing engagement in the Initiative,

Noting with great satisfaction that the implementation of EU – Ukraine Visa Facilitation and Readmission Agreements and the ongoing visa dialogue has brought tangible progress and fostered people-to–people contacts,

Welcoming the results of the EU – Ukraine Cooperation Council held on June 15, 2010, and the decision of June 2010 JLS Ministerial Meeting to draw up an Action Plan towards the visa-free EU – Ukraine travel regime,

Welcoming the democratic, free and fair conduct of elections in Ukraine, as reported by ODIHR and international observers,

The Parties will cooperate on consolidation of democratic progress in Ukraine based on pluralistic democracy, rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The Republic of Lithuania will continue to render consistent and strong support to accomplishment of Ukraine’s European integration goals, including accession to the European Union. The Parties noted the current priorities in Ukraine-EU dialogue, such as conclusion of an Association Agreement, including the establishment of a deep and comprehensive free trade area, introduction of a visa-free regime, and agree to actively co-operate to promote their fast and full achievement. Implementation of actions provided for in the EU Reform Priority Matrix will be a useful mechanism for meeting the priorities.

Ukraine and the Republic of Lithuania will cooperate in the framework of Eastern Partnership, implementing concrete bilateral and multilateral projects.

The Parties will enhance cooperation in the framework of Permanent Ukraine – Lithuania Commission on European Integration, promoting the sharing of Lithuania’s experience in the path of European integration in various administrative and technical fields. Ukraine will welcome Lithuanian contribution to implementation of Ukraine – EU Comprehensive Institution Building Programme. The Republic of Lithuania will assist Ukraine in implementing the technical conditions to be met by Ukraine before the establishment of visa-free travel regime, as provided for in the two-phased Action Plan.

In the framework of Integrated Border Management Flagship initiative under the Eastern Partnership Ukraine and Lithuania will cooperate in promoting multilateral projects in the spheres of customs and transit facilitation.

The Parties support in particular the Regional Energy Markets and Energy Efficiency as an important Eastern Partnership initiative.

The Parties have agreed to hold annual bilateral consultations in the field of cooperation between Ukraine and the European Union that will cover various issues, including trade, visa, etc. Representatives from other Ministries and Government agencies may be invited to the consultations.

The Parties will continue dialogue on regional and international agenda, particularly in context of Ukraine’s position on alignment with CFSP Declarations and its willingness to participate in the CSDP operations.

Done in Vilnius, 17 June 2010 in two original copies in Ukrainian, Lithuanian and English, all the texts are authentic.

Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

Kostyantyn Gryshchenko
Minister of Foreign Affairs of

the Republic of Lithuania

Audronius Ažubalis