On 2nd April 2009, Lithuanian NOC President Arturas Poviliunas received the Russian Federation‘s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Vladimir Chkhikvadze, accompanied by Counsellor Alexey M.Klim and Valerij Shteinbach, a guest from Moscow and famous Russian journalist and writer, professor, as well as director general of the Publishing House “Olimpija“.
At the centre of discussions taking place at the NOC‘s headquarters in Vilnius were the possibilities for sport and cultural cooperation, including the publication of books. Mr.Shteinbach is interested in initiating collaboration with the Lithuanian partners as concerns the possible translation of Russian sports literature into Lithuanian and vice versa. Plans for the future were also discussed. Also present at this meeting was Vytautas Zubernis, LNOC Secretary General. President Poviliunas announced that he would soon be going to Moscow for the signature of a cooperation agreement between the two Olympic Committees.
On that same day, and in occasion of the European Wrestling Championship, President Poviliunas received the Secretary General of Bulgarian Olympic Committee, Belcho Goranov, who is also Deputy Director of FILA Legislative Department.
Positive evaluation of championships organization was among the subjects addressed. In view of a future closer cooperation, the possibility of signing an agreement between the two Committees was discussed, focusing on maintaining the legitimacy and rights given by the Olympic Charter, exchange of information on all sports, doping prevention and monitoring. Also present was Lithuanian NOC Secretary General, Vytautas Zubernis .