A statement issued by the Presidential Office after the meeting says that, after Lithuania takes over the rotating EU presidency on July 1, much will be made of cooperation between the European Union and the Council of Europe.
Bringing EU Eastern Partnership countries closer to the EU is a priority of the Lithuanian EU presidency, Grybauskaitė was quoted as saying in the statement, therefore, Lithuania will actively cooperate with the Council of Europe in promoting democratic reforms and the spread of democratic values in those countries.
Jagland's visit coincides with the 20th anniversary of Lithuania becoming a member of the Council of Europe which was an important pillar in building democracy, promoting human rights and the rule of law after Lithuania regained independence.
The Lithuanian president also stressed that Lithuania supports the Council of Europe's reform aimed at strengthening the organization's international role. The aim of this reform is to avoid overlapping among various international organizations and ensure effective coordinated activities in the areas of press freedom, fighting corruption, discrimination, and official lawlessness.
Established in 1949, the Council of Europe unites 47 countries and aims at defending human rights and democracy, fighting discrimination, and strengthening democratic stability by supporting political, legal, and constitutional reforms.
Lithuania became a member of the Council of Europe in 1993.
