MFA discussed Lithuania’s next steps towards OECD membership

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Linas Linkevicius met with Marcos Bonturi, the OECD Director for Global Relations, and Nicola Bonucci, the OECD Director for Legal Affairs on 31 October in Vilnius. They discussed the next steps towards a smooth implementation of the OECD’s legally binding instruments by Lithuania, and the steps that would lead to a more rapid Lithuania’s membership in the organisation, informed BC the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“Lithuania has consistently sought to become a member of the prestigious OECD. The OECD membership would play an important role in attracting investment to the country. It would also benefit Lithuania by reducing international borrowing costs and improving the quality of public administration, and would provide an opportunity to participate in international economic decision-making,” said Linkevicius.

Due to Lithuania’s active participation in the activities of the OECD, the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting has announced that it would take a decision on the opening of the membership negotiation talks with Lithuania in 2015. The visiting high-ranking officials of the OECD will be directly responsible for planned Lithuania’s accession process next year.

During the visit, Marcos Bonturi and Nicola Bonucci will also meet with the Chancellor of the Government of Lithuania Alminas Maciulis.