News

On 9 July 2013 in Tel Aviv in the presence of the Lithuanian Parliamentary Delegation headed by the Deputy Speaker, Chairman of European Affairs Committee G. Kirkilas, Israel’s Minister of Science and Technology Y. Perry, Israeli Minister of Tourism U. Landau, Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Z. Elkin, and many other Israeli representatives the commencement of the Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union was marked and the Statehood Day of Lithuania was celebrated.

During the event G. Kirkilas briefed about the objectives of the Lithuanian EU Presidency and overviewed the potential challenges and opportunities for Lithuania during its first time Presidency of the EU Council since the accession to the European Union in 2004. According to G. Kirkilas, the priority of the Lithuanian Presidency is a safe, growing and open Europe.

G. Kirkilas also emphasized the importance of the relations between Lithuania, the EU and Israel. Partnership of Israel, Lithuania and the European Union is based on mutual understanding.

Over the past few years, the relations between Lithuania and Israel have become a strategic partnership, the volume of trade and tourism has doubled over the last 3 years. In addition, from 27 October 2013, the airline “Wizz Air” will launch 2 weekly direct flights from Vilnius to Tel Aviv.

The official visit of the Israeli President Shimon Peres to Lithuania, which will take place at the end of July, is considered as an event of special significance, confirming the strength of the Lithuanian-Israeli partnership.