The train of four capitals starts on September 28 from Kyiv. This was announced by Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine Volodymyr Omelyan at a briefing on the results of the plenary session of Intergovernmental Ukrainian-Lithuanian Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, which took place today, July 17, 2018, in Lviv.

The Ukrainian part of the delegation was headed by Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine Volodymyr Omelyan, the Lithuanian part of the Intergovernmental Ukrainian-Lithuanian Commission headed by Minister of Economy of the Lithuanian Republic Virginijus Sinkevičius. The Lithuanian delegation comprised the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Lithuania to Ukraine Marius Janukonis, Vice-Minister of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Lithuania Ričardas Degutis.

Minister of Infrastructure Volodymyr Omelyan stressed that the entry into force of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union had became an additional impetus for the intensification of Ukrainian-Lithuanian bilateral trade cooperation: "The last year's agenda, which was agreed in Lithuania, yeilded a result this year. We have a train of four capitals (Riga - Vilnius - Minsk - Kyiv), which is to be launched on September 28 from Kyiv. We will have a direct air service between Vilnius and Lviv and a number of other promising projects. Turnover between the two countries is growing vigorously: by the end of 2017, a 40% growth was achieved and there is further increase. Since July this year, Austria assumed the EU presidency, and among the priorities are high technology, modern solutions, artificial intelligence. Ukraine will join efforts with Poland and Lithuania to create a center for promising technological innovation solutions. We understand, in fact, even small investment is capable of generating a huge effect. All well-known companies started as small startups just recently - five, ten, fifteen years ago."

Minister of Economy of the Republic of Lithuania Virginijus Sinkevičius noted that cooperation with Ukraine has good prospects: "Our today's meeting is a good message for business of both countries. The investment climate in Ukraine has positive trends. I think that the progress we are planning to achieve in transport through connecting our countries with air and rail services, will open up even more opportunities for our citizens to come and see a beautiful state of Ukraine, and for Ukrainians - Lithuania. Ukraine is number one priority for Lithuania in terms of European integration processes, this is one of our main issues of work, and Lithuania is ready to provide overall assistance to Ukraine. We positively assess the reforms that are taking place in Ukraine in view of Ukraine’s European integration aspirations and we hope that the upcoming elections in Ukraine will not stop the course of reforms. Together with the Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine we have come to an understanding with regard to innovation policy. I think this is a chance for our states, businesses and entrepreneurs to combine opportunities. Ukraine, Poland and Lithuania can become leaders in the transport sector."

During the meeting of the Intergovernmental Ukrainian-Lithuanian Commission, Volodymyr Omelyan expressed gratitude for the active interest and attention of the Lithuanian side to the process of reforming of various sectors of Ukraine and emphasized the importance of experience of Lithuania in modernizing Ukraine.

The 18th meeting of the Commission, held today, is the evidence of stability and consistency of the relations between Ukraine and Lithuania, and confirms the desire to develop and deepen bilateral relations in various spheres. On the outcomes of the meeting, the parties signed a final protocol.