News

On 14–16 November, official and business delegations headed by the Lithuanian Minister of Transport and Communications Mr. Algirdas Butkevičius pay a visit to Turkey where a bilateral meeting of transport ministers and the Lithuanian-Turkish business forums take place.

Mr. Butkevičius met with his colleague, the Turkish Minister of Transportation Binali Yildirim. During the meeting, they discussed cooperation issues relevant for both countries. Particularly considerable attention was paid to discussions concerning connection of the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea by a combined transportation train “Viking”, which is currently a successful joint project of Lithuania, Belarus, and Ukraine. Turkish entrepreneurs are interested in this project because it would be a convenient route for their goods to reach Scandinavian and Western European countries by railway through Klaipėda seaport.

With a view to further strengthening cooperation with Turkey, ministers signed a joint declaration whereby they have agreed the following: to promote Lithuanian and Turkish communication via intermodal transport through the use of train “Viking” and Klaipėda seaport; to cooperate by exchanging experience and sharing information in solving the problems related to crossing of the external EU border and customs procedures; and to promote cooperation of business enterprises.

During the meetings, possibilities of entrepreneurs of this country to establish Turkish export and import cargo logistic centres and cargo distribution warehouses in Lithuania were also touched upon. More favourable conditions for Lithuanian carriers to carry cargo to Turkey via road transport were negotiated, and development of tourism via air transport discussed.

During the visit, a group of Lithuanian transport specialists and business representatives headed by Mr. Butkevičius familiarise with the most important transport infrastructure projects of the country, and take part in the business forum in Istanbul organised by the Turkish Council on Foreign Relations.

According to the Minister of Transport and Communications Algirdas Butkevičius, Lithuanian and Turkish cooperation in transport should bring mutual benefit for both countries. During the visit, Lithuanian and Turkish business representatives are expected to make new business contacts which will increase trading flows of both countries. There are plans to invite Turkish entrepreneurs to Lithuania, acquaint them with the key infrastructure objects and services provided in carrying cargo by transit through Lithuania to Western and Nordic countries.