Thursday, September 20, 2012
Kabul (BNA) Foreign Minister Dr. Zalmai Rassoul visited Lithuania September 18-19 at the invitation of his Lithuanian counterpart, Mr. Audronius Ažubalis.
During his visit, Dr. Rassoul held official meetings with the Lithuanian Prime Minister, Andrius Kubilius, Foreign Minister Ažubalis and met with a group of Lithuanian members of parliament, including the deputy speaker Mr. Česlovas Stankevičius. Dr. Rassoul also inaugurated and spoke at an international conference focused on regional cooperation centered on Afghanistan.
In his bilateral meetings, Dr. Rassoul expressed the appreciation of the Afghan government and people to the government and people of Lithuania for their support to Afghanistan’s efforts for peace, security, economic progress and democratic development over the years.
“Lithuania’s assistance in the historic province of Ghor has brought tangible improvements in the lives of the people there – through reconstruction efforts in the areas of health, education, governance, the training of our soldiers and police officers, the improvement of Cheghcharan airport and much more.”
Dr. Rassoul also spoke at the international conference “Afghanistan and the Region: Practical Approaches for Sustainable Development” on September 19, which brought together more than 20 countries and regional and international organizations.
“Afghanistan’s future is undoubtedly intertwined with the future of our region. Following decades of violent conflict and economic isolation, the region is re-emerging once again with Afghanistan poised to serve as its trade and transit hub for continental-wide commercial relations between East and West, as well as North and South,” Dr. Rassoul said. “Stronger, more result-oriented regional cooperation will help us preserve the significant investments and achievements we’ve made over the past decade, with help from the Government of Lithuania and other international partners represented in this international conference today.”
Dr. Rassoul and Mr. Ažubalis signed the first memorandum of understanding between the Afghan and Lithuanian foreign ministries on bilateral cooperation and political consultations. Among other things, the MoU provides for regular political consultations and enhanced cooperation on bilateral, regional and international issues through meetings in Kabul and Vilnius.
Dr. Rassoul also visited a group of Ariana Afghan Airlines pilots who had just completed their training at the Baltic Aviation Academy in Vilnius.
