Ambassadors of Ukraine and Lithuania to the U.S. Speak at Columbia University
10 October 2013 23:54
On October 9, 2013, Ambassador of Ukraine to the U.S. Olexander Motsyk and Ambassador of Lithuania to the U.S. Žygimantas Pavilionis attended a discussion entitled “Diplomatic Dialogue: Ukraine's Quest for European Integration & Lithuania's Chairmanship of the EU”, organized by Harriman Institute of renowned Columbia University in the City of New York.
Speaking to audience of foreign policy experts, faculty and students, Ambassadors told about latest developments in Ukraine’s dialogue with the European Union on the eve of Vilnius Summit and planned signing of Association Agreement and creation of a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area between Ukraine and the EU.
O.Motsyk outlined reasons leading to irreversibility of Ukraine’s European choice, and told about benefits of European integration and tasks that it will bring to our country. European integration will bring benefits not only to Ukraine and the European Union, but also to the United States and, eventually, to other partners of Ukraine, including Russia, he emphasized.
Ž.Pavilionis told the audience about the European road of Lithuania, advantages of EU membership and priorities of Lithuanian EU Presidency. He stressed that Lithuania firmly supports the signing of the Association Agreement and sees Ukraine’s future in the European Union.
Ambassadors’ speeches were followed by Q&A session.
The Ambassadors also toured the campus and met with University leadership, and discussed the development of ties of Columbia University with Ukrainian and Lithuanian universities.
In the photo: Lithunia's Ambassador to the U.S. Ž.Pavilionis & Ukraine's Ambassador to the U.S. O.Motsyk
