Ukraine is the main participant of the Eastern Partnership, foreign minister of Lithuania Linas Linkevičius considers.
The head of the Foreign Ministry of the country, holding EU presidency since July, hopes that the EU will be able to sign the association agreement with Ukraine by the end of November. It's a common goal of both sides of the negotiation process, and it will be a common success. "We are convinced that Ukraine belongs to Europe. - Lithuanian official said. - Not only in terms of geography, but in all other respects. The Association Agreement in no case provides for breaking ties with traditional markets, such as Russia. Russia is an important partner not only for Ukraine but also for the EU. The issue is in the choice of the rules of the game. Signing a deep and comprehensive free trade agreement with Europe, Ukraine selects the route and rules regulating relations," he said in an exclusive commentary to the BTB TV-channel.
According to the diplomat, the most important results of the Agreement signing, especially in the economy, will be felt in the long term.
Ukrainians will benefit from access to the large European market (counting five million consumers), which will promote the growth of Ukraine's GDP. It also implies investment and the introduction of new standards.
At the same time, the EU will benefit from the growth of their companies, investments in the Ukrainian business, abolition of customs duties, Linas Linkevičius added.
