OREANDA-NEWS. October 15, 2010. At their meeting Presidents of Ukraine and Lithuania have discussed a broad range of subjects of bilateral cooperation, cooperation in the framework of international organizations and European integration of Ukraine, said President Yanukovych at a joint press with President of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaite in Vilnius following the 4th meeting of the Council of Presidents of Ukraine and Lithuania.

"Lithuania is a good friend and reliable partner of Ukraine and we are pleased that our friendly relations are developing constructively in a spirit of mutual understanding and mutual support," Viktor Yanukovych said.

He said that he has expressed his special gratitude to his Lithuanian colleague for the firm and consistent support of European aspirations of Ukraine.

According to Viktor Yanukovych, the sides have also discussed the subject of trade and economic cooperation between Ukraine and Lithuania. In this context, the President said, current turnover between the two countries is too small (about USD 450 million), even despite the fact that this year it has grown 52%.

"We should set at least USD 1 billion as our target. And it is real. I think we can do it," the President of Ukraine said.

Among the questions of mutual interest discussed at the meeting, the President also named cooperation in energy and transport sectors, mutual investment, and creation of favorable conditions for Ukrainian and Lithuanian businessmen and investors.

In addition, according to Viktor Yanukovych, the parties have talked over the directions of cooperation between Ukraine and European institutions in the framework of preparation for the EU-Ukraine summit and possible Lithuania's support in these matters.

"A very important subject – and we appreciate it – is the support by Lithuania and by President Grybauskaite of the reforms that are going on in Ukraine, and understanding that it is a difficult process, which is hampered by bureaucracy," President Yanukovych said.

In this context, Viktor Yanukovych stressed the importance of fighting corruption, which is not a quick or simple process. "The processes, taking place in Ukraine today, are sometimes very acute. There is an understanding that they involve consolidation of the society. It is an acute but benificial process,” he said.

Viktor Yanukovych expressed the belief that mutual respect of Ukraine and Lithuania, as demonstrated today at the level of the Presidents and government officials, is beneficial to both countries and is "very promising".

"I am grateful for the hospitality here in Vilnius. I hope everything we do is for the benefit of our peoples," Viktor Yanukovych said.

From her part, the President of Lithuania praised the negotiations held today, including signature of the Roadmap of Developing Strategic Partnership between Ukraine and Lithuania for 2011-2012.

She said the parties have discussed further deepening of cooperation between the states in energy and transport sectors.

"This meeting is very important for both Lithuania and Ukraine; we continue the good tradition of close cooperation," Dalia Grybauskaite said.

As to cooperation in energy sector, she said that the parties have specific plans and are interested in close cooperation, in particular in gas and oil supply.

The President of Lithuania highlighted the importance of cooperation between Ukraine and Lithuania in the area of European integration. "Ukraine is very important for the EU," she said, adding that Ukraine's membership in the EU is a strategic objective for both sides. "Lithuania is ready to further assist Ukraine in approaching Europe," President Grybauskaite said.

Besides, she highlighted the importance of Ukrainian-Lithuanian ties in the context of cooperation with the OSCE in the international security area.

"In the framework of international organizations we are ready to help each other," emphasized the President of Lithuania.

"I hope our cooperation will continue to be important and useful for our countries and peoples," she said.