The UAE Minister of Economy, Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, and Lithuanian Minister of Economy, Evaldas Gustas, on Wednesday discussed ways of promoting food trade and cooperation on food security between their two countries.

In his remarks during the meeting at the Economy Ministry in Dubai, Al Mansouri, proposed a plan to promoted trade and relations with Lithuania.

Defining the investment opportunities and promoting the role of the business community in both countries would be the first step in the that direction, according to Al Mansouri who expressed the UAE's desire for organising business forums and dialogue with Lithuania.

"The Lithuanian presence in the UAE does not express the good friendly relations between the two countries," Al Mansouri added.

Non-oil trade between the UAE and Lithuania stood at US$37.2 million by the end of 2013, with trade between the two countries through free zones standing at US$26 million in the same period, he noted.

No Lithuanian companies or trade agencies are registered in the UAE, he said noting that only one Lithuanian trademark was registered with the UAE Ministry of Economy.

The UAE, Al Mansouri noted, takes interest in food security.

For his part, Minister Gustas noted that his country is looking for strategic partners on food security.

He further noted that Lithuanian food products with competitive prices will enter the UAE markets within a few months.

The two ministers highlighted the investment potential and opportunities and competitive economies of their two countries.