"I believe that the upcoming Vilnius Eastern Partnership summit is a historic opportunity for Europe and Ukraine, as well as other partners," the speaker said in an address to a meeting of Lithuanian ambassadors residing abroad.
The summit will be held in Vilnius on November 28-29. The Eastern Partnership program aims to bring six post-Soviet countries – Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine – closer to the EU. At the Vilnius summit, the EU may sign an Association and Free Trade Agreement with Ukraine.
Gedvilas said Lithuania is already feeling growing attention of foreign partners in the run-up to the presidency.
"Our country and diplomatic service has not yet taken the test, which I see as an honorable duty and responsibility, especially in the light of the fact that the tasks will have to be completed by relatively small capacities and with limited resources," said the parliamentary speaker.
"I believe that Lithuania's upcoming presidency over the EU Council is also an opportunity to tell Europe and the world about us, as well as think and discuss about the challenges our country is facing," Gedvilas said.
Lithuania will take over EU Council presidency from Ireland on July 1.
