Lithuanian PM calls for closer cooperation with Georgia in agriculture and food

The heads of Government discussed Georgia’s progress in the Euro-Atlantic integration process, Lithuania’s support, bilateral economic cooperation, energy and communications matters as well as other issues.

“I hope that our visit together with a vast delegation of Lithuanian businesspeople will be beneficial to further development of business relations,” said Butkevičius.

The prime minister noted that bilateral trade relations improved once Georgia signed the Association and Free Trade Agreement with the European Union. The European Parliament ratified the Association Agreement last December. In January-November 2014 Lithuania’s export to Georgia stood at EUR 34.3 million and compared with the same period of 2013 increased by 39.8 percent. Georgia successfully joined container train project Viking, which opened wide opportunities for Georgia to export its goods to Europe.

According to Butkevičius, the implementation of intended reforms and visa liberalisation plan would further accelerate Georgia’s integration into the EU.

The Lithuanian prime minister’s visit is scheduled to end on 27 January. On Tuesday Butkevičius will meet with Lithuanian businesspeople, participate in Lithuania-Georgia business forum, honour Georgian freedom fighters at the Heroes’ Memorial. The prime minister will also visit the EU Monitoring Mission in Mtskheta, headed since 15 January by Lithuanian diplomat Ambassador Kęstutis Jankauskas.