Press release, 7 October 2014
On her working visit to Rome (Italian Republic), Loreta Graužinienė, Speaker of the Seimas, discussed during a bilateral meeting with Bronwyn Bishop, Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives, the prospects of Lithuania’s accession to one of the most influential organisations in the world –– Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The leader of the Seimas asked Australia, which is a member of this organisation, to support the accession negotiations.
Photo by Sigita Trainauskienė, the Seimas Office
“Lithuania hopes to justify the support of the member countries for its current achievements and its potential to effectively contribute to the goals of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Lithuania would highly appreciate the Australian support, when our participation in the activities of the organisation and its bodies are discussed,” stressed Loreta Graužinienė.
Furthermore, the Speaker of the Seimas and the leader of the Australian House of Representatives discussed opportunities to develop bilateral trade and economic relations and closer parliamentary cooperation between the two countries. During the meeting, the leader of the Seimas thanked Australia for its consistent stance towards Ukraine.
“We are grateful for the principled and consistent position of Australia on the events in Ukraine. Lithuania expects that our cooperation will continue to be effective until the end of Australia’s membership in the Security Council and beyond,” said the Speaker of the Seimas.
Finally, Loreta Graužinienė invited Bronwyn Bishop for an official visit to Lithuania.
The Speaker of the Seimas is currently taking part in the Asia–Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting (ASEP–8) in Rome.
The meeting is being held under the theme “The role of Parliaments in fostering Asia–Europe dialogue, sustainable growth and stronger governance structures”. It will also focus on economic and financial governance structures and food security.
The meeting being held in Rome has a reason behind it: from 1 July 2014 Italy is holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and on 16–17 October Milan will host the Asia–Europe Meeting (ASEM). The Asia–Europe Meeting will be presented the declaration adopted during ASEP–8.
Secretariat of the Speaker of the Seimas, tel. +370 5 239 6002
Dalia Valentienė, Adviser to the Speaker of the Seimas, tel. +370 5 239 6030, mob. +370 698 42 786
