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Minister of Transport and Communications Eligijus Masiulis: "Vilnius Declaration confirms the joint efforts for creation of new trade links from Asia to the European Union"

Closer cooperation between Asian and European countries with the view of ensuring a long-term transport development, beneficial mutual economic relations and opportunities for the economic growth - such is the main idea endorsed by the Vilnius Declaration, which today has been adopted by the participants of the first Asian and European Transport Ministers' Meeting (ASEM TMM).

"The first ASEM Transport Ministers' Meeting is concluding by the Vilnius Declaration, which is intended for the opening of a more rapid, more cost effective and safer connection with Europe" - said Eligijus Masiulis, Minister of Transport and Communications of Lithuania.

By the Vilnius Declaration the Parties agreed to improve conditions for Asian and European trade relations in the formation of long-term, efficient and safe transport system.

"Transport remains an important generator of economy" - underlined Minister Eligijus Masiulis. For this reason ASEM Transport Ministers agreed on the establishment of an experts group, which until the next Transport Ministers' Meeting will prepare a plan of concrete measures for the implementation of the Vilnius Declaration.

The Minister of Transport of the People's Republic of China, Li Schenglin, the main partner of the Minister of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Lithuania in organizing the ASEM Transport Ministers' Meeting, noted that China is ready to solve actively the problems arising in transport, as his country is interested in a more liberal and rapid movement of goods between China and the European Union, the most considerable partner of trade.

ASEM member countries will invite international financial institutions to contribute to the financing of transport infrastructure projects between Asia and Europe, the particular attention being focused on the links of railway and intermodal land transport.   

ASEM member countries are also planning to urgently address the neighbouring CIS countries by inviting them to solve the problems related to the development of Eurasian transport corridor.

The Declaration has been drafted with consideration of the conclusions of the Asia-Europe Transport Development Forum, which took place in Vilnius on October 19, and the proposals of business representatives regarding the development of the communication system of the both continents. As Minister Eligijus Masiulis noted, the Vilnius Declaration regards the proposals of the international transport trade, thus the Parties assume the obligation to cooperate closely with the aim to eliminate physical and administrative barriers in tariff system, customs and border crossing areas of road, railway, maritime and air transport of Europe and Asia.

The participants of the first ASEM Transport Ministers' Meeting agreed that as of now these meetings will be held on a regular basis every two years, alternatively in Europe and Asia. During the meeting in Vilnius it was agreed that the next meeting of 2011 will be held in Asia.