European future of Ukraine is in its hands

VILNIUS – Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite met with Prime Minister of Ukraine Mykola Azarov to discuss the bilateral relations, economic cooperation and the process of European integration of Ukraine.

According to the President, on its path towards signing the European Union Association Agreement Ukraine should demonstrate real actions and its ability to live in the spirit of political association with Europe - to implement the necessary internal reforms, ensure the rule of law and impartial hearing of political opponents' cases, as well as to organize democratic elections to the Verchovna Rada this autumn.

"Lithuania supports Ukraine's aspiration for integration and is ready to help, but the most important works must be done by you. The European future of Ukraine is in your hands," President said.

Grybauskaite underlined that rapid implementation of these terms was essential in order to complete the signing of the association and free trade agreements during Lithuania's Presidency of the EU Council in the second half of 2013.

Speaking about bilateral economic cooperation, the President stressed that smooth and effective functioning of the shuttle train "Viking" was a key economic priority for Lithuania and Ukraine.

The meeting also addressed the prospects for bilateral cooperation in the sphere of energy, the investment potential, and the issues of EU visa liberalization for Ukrainian citizens.