News

The Ministerial Council Meeting (MCM) began at the OECD’s Paris Headquarters on 6 May. The Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Linas Linkevičius represents Lithuania, as the country is attending this event for the first time.

According to the Lithuanian Foreign Minister, the invitation is a very positive signal for the country that has strived to become a full member of the OECD in a consistent manner. In 2013, Lithuania started a period of transition and intense cooperation with the OECD, which will allow it to prepare for opening accession discussions with the Organization in 2015.

“We hope to receive an invitation to open discussions for membership of the prestigious OECD economic club at the Ministerial Conference next year. Lithuania is ready to contribute to an effective implementation of the Organization’s objectives,” L.Linkevičius said.

During the OECD’s annual Ministerial Council Meeting, Lithuania has endorsed the new OECD Declaration on Automatic Exchange of Information in Tax Matters as well as expressed support for the OECD’s draft declaration on climate change.

On the eve of the Ministerial Council Meeting, L.Linkevičius was received by the Secretary-General of the OECD Angel Gurría, who assessed Lithuania’s progress positively as well as its contribution to the work of OECD bodies. The Secretary-General stressed that Lithuania and the OECD had a common interest to raise mutual cooperation to the highest level of a full member of the Organization.