The head of the Russian delegation articulated the following positions during the discussion of ways to strengthen the role of regional cooperation institutions and mechanisms:

On Russia's attitude towards the European Union's Baltic strategy.

"First of all, I would like to stress that we are interested in a thoughtful discussion of the constructive initiatives aimed at increasing cooperation in the Baltic region. We believe it is important to improve the existing regional cooperation mechanisms, especially those that have proved to be effective. These are the Council of the Baltic Sea States and the Helsinki Marine Environment Protection Commission (HELCOM). They have successfully addressed economic and environmental issues, built up human and cultural ties and implemented transport, industrial and energy projects.

"I would like to mention the Northern Dimension, another effective instrument for cooperation. This European Union initiative has evolved into a regional project involving the EU, Russia, Iceland and Norway.

"I repeat - we are ready to take up any useful initiatives, especially those put forward by our colleagues from the European Union. Most importantly, these initiatives should fit into the existing architecture of Baltic cooperation, complementing it harmoniously.

"It is also important that all countries in the region without exception be involved in developing the practical aspects of new ideas. This applies fully to the European Union's Baltic Strategy.

"The first round of consultations with the European Commission to discuss all areas where our interests overlap in the context of the Baltic Strategy was held in February this year. We believe that this constructive and mutually respectful dialogue should continue."

Officials at the meeting also discussed competitiveness, sustained economic growth and the development of energy cooperation in the Baltic region. In his speech Viktor Zubkov said:

"Russia is sincerely interested in the development of full-scale, mutually beneficial partnerships with all countries in the Baltic region, as well as in tapping the full economic, scientific, technological and transport potential of the region. We are interested in strengthening cultural and human ties, and also in youth, athletic and educational exchanges.

"We must acknowledge that today our countries are facing very similar challenges in overcoming the global recession, increasing competitiveness and achieving sustained economic growth.

"Close regional cooperation, as well as joint implementation of major investment projects in energy, infrastructure, industry and transport will be instrumental in this area.

"One important, even priority issue is broader cooperation in high-tech sectors. For example, through the emerging Partnership for Modernisation between Russia and the European Union.

"It is on the issue of innovation that we can bring together government, business and scientific institutions and mobilise financial resources for large-scale, ground-breaking initiatives. The first Russia-EU Innovation Forum, recently held in Finland, was very useful from this perspective. I would like to take this opportunity to invite our colleagues to take part in the second forum, which will take place in St Petersburg next autumn.

"We also propose that we consider creating, within the framework of the Baltic Council, a multilateral mechanism for scientific and information exchange that would give an additional impetus to the development of advanced technologies and the commercial use of the results of experimental design work.

"No less important today are the issues of energy, energy conservation and energy efficiency, all of which are inseparably linked with environmental problems.

"The disaster in the Gulf of Mexico has forced us all to take a new look at this issue and triple our commitment to ensuring that energy facilities are environmentally safe.

"We in the Baltic region have a useful mechanism: the Helsinki Marine Environment Protection Commission. I think I speak for all of you when I say that the Commission has proved its effectiveness and relevance in addressing common environmental challenges. Moreover, the commission's role continues to increase.

"During its HELCOM presidency, Russia presented the conceptual framework for its federal programme to improve and rehabilitate the Baltic ecosystems through 2015. This is our practical contribution to improving the Baltic environment. We intend to continue to give priority to the environmental aspects of major infrastructure projects.

"Allow me to note that nature conservation issues were a high priority in the Nord Stream project. Investment in environmental studies amounted to some 100 million euros. Surveys of a more than 40,000 square-kilometre have been carried out to choose the safest route for the pipeline. That is an impressive figure. It is heartening that all these efforts have earned the support of our partners, who have issued permits for the construction of the gas pipeline in their territorial waters. I would like to thank our partners for backing this project.

"Another major high-tech project suitable for cooperation is the construction of the Baltic Nuclear Power Station in the Kaliningrad Region. The first unit is scheduled to be launched in 2016. The technical solutions that will be used in building and operating the Baltic Nuclear Station meet the highest safety standards and all IAEA requirements. We have carried out a thorough assessment of the environmental impact of the future power station. The relevant information has been sent to all countries concerned. We propose including the new nuclear power station in the so-called Baltic Energy Ring. The idea is being substantively discussed at the Council of the Baltic Sea States.

"In conclusion, I would like to stress that the Baltic region has enormous potential for development. If we use it competently and set in motion real teamwork and partnership, casting aside the stereotypes and bogeymen of the past, we are sure to succeed. Russia is certainly ready for such close cooperation with all its Baltic neighbours."

During his stay in Vilnius, Viktor Zubkov held talks with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Lithuania, Mr Andrius Kubulius, to discuss current issues in Russian-Lithuanian relations.