On Tuesday, January 23, the Head of ARMA, Olena Duma, met with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Lithuania, H.E. Mr. Valdemaras Sarapinas.
Olena Duma briefed the Lithuanian Ambassador on ARMA's activities and the first steps towards reformatting and improving the Agency's work.
The Head of ARMA also drew attention to the key achievements of the National Agency, among which she particularly noted the opening of the Register of Seized Assets.
At the same time, Olena Duma spoke about the Agency's future plans for 2024. Among them is the establishment of the ARMA Reform Office with the support of European partners. The Head of the National Agency asked Mr. Valdemaras to assist in establishing closer bilateral relations with colleagues from the relevant institutions of the Republic of Lithuania.
"In the context of russia's armed aggression, ARMA must intensify cooperation with the competent authorities of foreign countries and use all available mechanisms to identify and trace assets involved in criminal proceedings, as well as assets belonging to sanctioned and related persons," said Olena Duma. - "Such property should work in the interests of our state”.
For his part, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Mr. Valdemaras Sarapinas promised to assist in this process and assured that the Republic of Lithuania is always ready to promptly support Ukraine in various areas.
Thus, both sides expressed interest in establishing cooperation in the field of finding and tracing of assets obtained through criminal means.
The participants of the meeting emphasized the importance of effective exchange of experience and best practices. In addition, the Deputy Head of ARMA for European Integration, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Grigol Katamadze took the initiative to deepen cooperation with the Criminal Investigation Department of the Lithuanian General Prosecutor's Office by concluding a Memorandum of Partnership and Cooperation, submitting the draft agreement for consideration by the Lithuanian side. ARMA strongly believes that such document will contribute to the establishment and development of constructive and long-term relations.
At the end of the meeting, the Head of ARMA expressed her gratitude to the citizens and the Government of the Republic of Lithuania for their steadfast position and strong support for Ukraine in countering russian aggression.
ARMA continues its proactive work in the international arena, including all available mechanisms in the field of asset finding and tracing, including through diplomatic channels.
