An atmosphere of cooperation and collaboration was established. The alliance built on longstanding previous cooperation between the founding partners. Publicly, these diplomatic exchanges were largely in regards to trade and future economic cooperation. Their internal conflict prevented effective cooperation and defence. International cooperation and education exchanges increase every year. Both nations reiterated the need for continued defense cooperation. This contributed to further cooperation and intellectual development. It is the successor of the League of Nations' International Committee on Intellectual Cooperation. This applies particularly to the context of development cooperation. Lithuania is also active in developing cooperation among northern European countries. It also considers issues of customs cooperation, trade and development of Eurasian integration. Russia sought approval for its recognition from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Couthon agreed to more cooperation between the two committees. ICI encourages the multidisciplinary academic cooperation within university. Some supported the idea out of a desire for wider cultural cooperation.