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Lithuanian FM arrives in Cyprus to discuss ties, European agenda

The sides intend to discuss bilateral relations, the European agenda, the policy of good-neighborly relations and partnership

VILNIUS, June 15 (Itar-Tass) — Lithuanian Foreign Minister Audronus Azubalis arrives on Friday in Cyprus for an official visit timed to the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The sides intend to discuss bilateral relations, the European agenda, including EU expansion plans, the policy of good-neighborly relations and partnership as well as nuclear security and energy independence.

Audronius Azubalis, who visits Cyprus for the first time as foreign minister of Lithuania, spoke ahead of the visit in favor of a more active use of potentials in relations between the two states and in favor of bringing them to a new level, the press service of the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry said.

The top Lithuanian diplomat will meet with President of Cyprus Demetris Christofias, parliament Speaker Yannakis Omiru and Foreign Minister Erato Kozakou-Markoullis. The sides will discuss the agenda and priorities of the two countries as future presidents of the European Union. Nicosia will hold the rotating presidency starting from July, while Vilnius will assume the presidency in July 2013.

“The experience gathered by Cyprus during its presidency will be important for us,” the Lithuanian foreign minister said ahead of the trip. The program also envisages his lecture at University of Nicosia. The Eastern partnership and Southern Neighborhood programs as well as the phenomenon of “the Arab Spring” are also among the issues to be discussed at the university.