June 21, 2006 - 17:59 AMT
Lithuanian President Cannot Fancy European Union without Turkey
Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus assured Turkish President Ahmet Necet Sezer that he doesn't imagine the European Union without Turkey and promised support to Turkey's integration into the European community. "I cannot imagine the EU without Turkey. Of course, it will not happen in a day but I assure you of our support at the European level. I hope that the process of your accession to the EU will be no longer than ours," Valdas Adamkus said. It should be noted that Lithuania joined the EU in 2004, the membership talks lasted over 10 years. For his part the Turkish President remarked he assesses highly Lithuania's support.

When touching upon the regional cooperation the Presidents emphasized that the Transcaucasian states and Turkey play an important role in providing alternative energy source. "The Azerbaijan-Turkey relations can serve as an example of wonderful neighborly relations. Your relations with Georgia also tend to improve. These close ties are useful not only for the cooperating sides but also for the whole region. Your joint projects can prove important for strengthening energy independence and security of the European states," Adamkus said adding that Lithuania is interested in extending the projects up to the Baltic Sea, reported Trend news agency.