Following the Eighth session of the Council of Presidents of Ukraine and Lithuania in Vilnius, President Petro Poroshenko noted that Lithuania was a reliable strategic partner, a true friend and ally of Ukraine in difficult times.

In his press statement, Petro Poroshenko thanked Dalia Grybauskaitė for the great contribution to the restoration of sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as well as for the firm position of Lithuania and its President, that became advocates of Ukraine in the international organizations like the European Council and the UN Security Council, in the course of consideration of issues about the annexation of Crimea, aggression in Donbas, investigation into the terrorist attack of Russia-backed terrorists on the MH-17 flight and extremely important steps in state reformation.

“Today, European integration for Ukraine is a national idea, which unites the country just like it united Lithuania 25 years ago starting from January 13. You initiated these reforms 25 years ago and your experience and consultative assistance are essential for us,” Petro Poroshenko said.

The President expressed interest in the experience of reforming the State Reserve, Antimonopoly Committee, e-government, struggle against corruption. At the same time, he expressed gratefulness for compliments on the first anti-corruption steps in Ukraine – establishment of the Anti-Corruption Bureau and specialized anti-corruption prosecution.

The Head of State assured of holding further decisive anti-corruption efforts. “I would like to assure you that we are doing this not for the European integration, not for the visa-free regime, we are doing this for our state. Your support and your kind words are necessary for us,” the President stressed.

Petro Poroshenko expressed hope that his visit to Lithuania would bring Ukraine closer to the EU.

The parties discussed cooperation in military-technical sphere as well. “Today, we are determined to ensure national security,” the President said.

The President thanked Lithuania for its firm position regarding the necessity of keeping Ukraine on the first positions of the European agenda. “In no case should any dreadful events in the world – for example, terrorist attacks in Paris or irresponsible actions of Russia in Syria – distract the attention from the situation in Ukraine, from the aggression against our state,” the President emphasized.

In her turn, President of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaitė assured that Lithuania would always support Ukraine in its struggle for sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as assist on the track of European integration. The Lithuanian President wished Ukrainian citizens persistence and understanding of the necessity of reforms. “I am glad that Ukraine is united and people understand what they want,” she said.