Russian Prime Minister on progress in Russian-Lithuanian relations

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov has noticed "positive changes" in Russian-Lithuanian trade and economic relations. He said this at a Tuesday meeting with his Lithuanian counterpart Algirdas Brazauskas, currently in Moscow on a visit.

Russian companies are glad to invest in the Lithuanian market, while Lithuanian enterprises and financial institutions are working in Russia, the Russian Prime Minister pointed out.

"Over three years we have intensified relations in all directions, from the political dialogue to cultural contacts," he said.

Brazauskas also gave a positive assessment to the dynamics of bilateral relations. The parties have managed to solve the problems related to Lithuania's admission to the EU - transit via its territory to and from the Kaliningrad region, Russia's enclave in the Baltic, he pointed out.

"Quite recently, it seemed very difficult to comply with all the requirements of the European Union without creating hindrances and discomfort for people. But I believe we have managed to do it. Order has been established. I think in future this order will be further improved," the Lithuanian Prime Minister said.

He also expressed a certain anxiety related to Lukoil's project to develop an oil field on the Kurshskaya sand bar, the Baltic Sea.

The project will be carried out only 7 km from the Lithuanian border and it is starting to worry our people, Brazauskas explained.

About $150 million has already been invested in the project, he recalled.

The project's ecological aspects are to be discussed at the Russian-Lithuanian inter-governmental talks that have started in Moscow.