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A delegation of Ukrainian activists and volunteers has recently met with President of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaite. They had an honest conversation about the social and political situation in Ukraine and the role of civil society in the reform of the state and the end of the social and economic crisis.
Head of the delegation, President of the Ukrainian League of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (ULIE) Anatoliy Kinakh said that Ukraine appreciates partnership with Lithuania – both internationally and bilaterally. Vilnius has taken a consistent position in defending the territorial integrity of Ukraine, support of its European integration path. This friendly help ensures the support of other partners in the European Union. "We also feel the help of Lithuania in such processes as the implementation of democratic standards, the rule of law, the development of consolidated civil society and its greater influence on the course of reform and control of the authorities," Anatoliy Kinakh said.
"The tests your country has been passing are not only challenges – they provide grounds for the consolidation of society, further promotion of civic initiatives of volunteers. Lithuania and I, as president, will always support Ukraine and its people whom we share common historical traditions with, along with values, desires of further democratic development," Dalia Grybauskaite said during the meeting.
Anatoliy Kinakh briefed Grybauskaite on the activities of the National Forum "Transformation of Ukraine," which has brought together opinion leaders, politicians, businessmen, the clergy, and activists, serving a real communication platform between the government and the public. The Forum has recently prepared a draft concept of transformation of Ukraine, using the best practices of Eastern Europe and the Baltic states while the strategy of the development of Ukraine as a European state is being elaborated. These issues were discussed during a meeting between the ULIE President and Lithuania's Minister of Foreign Affairs Linas Linkevičius. In his words, the current format of bilateral business communication, namely the work of the Ukrainian-Lithuanian and Lithuanian-Ukrainian business councils, economic forums held at the highest level, etc., provide practical and tangible results. Indicators of trade and economic turnover improve, while the number of signed contracts, outsourcing projects is on the rise.
The Ukrainian delegation presented a three-meter flag of Ukraine to Dalia Grybauskaite from Ukrainian soldiers who thanked her for the friendship and support. Soldiers from different Ukrainian military units participating in the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) put their signatures on it. This was the initiative of the All-Ukrainian Union of ATO soldiers and volunteers, NGO Varta ta Zakhyst (Guard and Protection), which was supported by the ULIE.