Russia and Lithuania to Discuss Cooperation Tomorrow

A Lithuanian delegation headed by Foreign Minister Antanas Valionis is to arrive in Moscow today to take part in a session of the Lithuanian-Russian intergovernmental commission on issues of bilateral cooperation. This was revealed to Rosbalt by the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry's press office.

The programme for tomorrow's session includes a wide spectrum of questions concerning the economy, trade, science and culture. Participants in the meeting will discuss cooperation to develop transport, border guards and border crossing procedures. It is also planned to discuss cooperation with the Kaliningrad Region, which shares a border with Lithuania.

On Wednesday a meeting is planned between Valionis and Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov. During the meeting the two ministers are expected to discuss the prospects for Russia's relations with the EU in connection with the summit that will take place in St. Petersburg at the end of May. Lithuanian President Rolandas Paksas will be present at this meeting.

The intergovernmental commission was set up in 1997. Its members regularly meet in Vilnius and Moscow to discuss bilateral cooperation and draw up international agreements. The commission is currently co-chaired by Mr Valionis and Russian Transport Minister Sergei Frank.