27
February
In the meeting with President of the National Assembly of France Bernard Accoyer, the Speaker
of the Seimas rejoiced at the intensive relations between Lithuania and France
at both, bilateral and European Union
level. Arūnas Valinskas emphasised that France is an important partner for
Lithuania ever since the restoration of independence.
The meeting mostly focused on the discussion of the economic crisis
that the entire world is faced with. In the view of the Speaker of the Seimas,
presently it is particularly important to seek common ground between Lithuania
and France as much as possible, in the energy sector in particular.
Lithuania is ready to learn from the French longstanding professional
experience in the nuclear energy sphere. This would be a new step in the
bilateral relations. We can rejoice at our great political and parliamentary
relations, but now it is time to strengthen economic cooperation, Arūnas
Valinskas said.
The Head of the Seimas stated that the strategic bilateral dialogue
will be strengthened during the visit of the French Prime Minister to
Lithuania, which, hopefully, will take place within the first half of the year.
This year the interparliamentary relations group registered in the Lithuanian
Parliament is expected to effectively contribute to the development of
political and economic relations and the partnership in the energy sector.
The Speaker
of the Parliament rejoiced at the cultural relations between Lithuania and
France. He invited the President of the National Assembly of France to visit
the events of Vilnius European Capital of Culture 2009 and the Commemoration
of the Millennium of Lithuania held this year, and stressed that these events
could serve as a great impetus for the development of cultural relations and
tourism.
Indrė
Viržintė, Spokesperson of the Seimas Speaker
