OREANDA-NEWS. On November 14, 2007 the Government approved an agreement between the Lithuanian and Chinese governments on sea transport signed in Beijing on 23 April 2007, reported the Official website www.lrvk.lt.

The purpose of the agreement was to develop commercial navigation between the two states on the basis of the principles of equality and mutual benefit and further strengthen mutual relations in the area of sea transport.

The agreement contains definitions for the terms of ship, seafarer, competent authority of a contracting party, port, shipping enterprise, sets the scope of the agreement, required documents of a ship, defines marine accidents, the issues of jurisdiction and other matters.

Currently, the commercial relations between the two states are not covered by any international co-operation agreement. The agreement is expected to create more favourable conditions for mutual co-operation in the area of sea transport and provide equal conditions to the Chinese and Lithuanian seafarers regarding the use of port facilities.

Also, the agreement is supposed to increase the Chinese freight transit via the Klaipeda State Sea Port.