Poland, Lithuania sign declaration on cooperation in energy sector

The Associated Press
Published: September 29, 2006

WARSAW, Poland Poland and neighboring Lithuania on Friday signed documents laying the foundation for a joint electrical power network and closer cooperation in the sector.

Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus, on a one-day visit to Warsaw, and his host, President Lech Kaczynski, signed a document declaring the need to build a joint electricity network for both nations, which are seeking more energy independence from Russia.

Until now Lithuania's only foreign electricity link was to Russia. Via Poland, the project would link Lithuania with the other European Union grids.

A letter of intent signed by the two governments provides for joining Polish and Lithuanian energy grids by the year 2011, at a cost of about €400 million (US$508 million.) Funds would probably come from the European Union.