EU-Russia relations meeting in New York

VILNIUS- The meeting of the foreign ministers of the European Union member states and Russia occurred during the 64th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Sept. 25.

Lithuania's Minister of Foreign Affairs Vygaudas Usackas said at the meeting that respect for international law and adherence to commitments are the basis of the EU-Russia relations. These principles are important to the EU, Russia as well as to the third parties.

The Minister expressed satisfaction about the progress which was made in drafting a new partnership and cooperation agreement between the EU and Russia.

Minister Usackas also drew the attention of Russia's foreign minister Sergey Lavrov to the cases of protectionism which are witnessed in trade policy, when discriminatory customs measures are applied, additional requirements or customs duties are introduced. Lithuania's foreign minister noted that trade between the countries was not the reason of global economic downturn, but in fact it was the way out of this situation.

 Usackas urged Russia to provide conditions for smooth trade and movement of cargo between the EU and Russia.