News

On 13 September at the invitation of Georgian Foreign Minister Grigol Vashadze and as a guest of honour, Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Audronius Ažubalis attended the annual convention of Georgia’s heads of diplomatic missions, where he emphasized Lithuania’s support for reforms in Georgia.

This year, Lithuania and Georgia mark the 20th anniversary of mutual recognition of Independence and of the re-establishment of their states. A.Ažubalis stressed that both countries went a long way restoring their statehood and, thus, developing bilateral relations.

When addressing the ambassadors, Foreign Minister emphasized Lithuania’s support for further democratic reforms in Georgia and for the country’s gritty determination to seek a rapprochement with the EU.

“Georgia’s participation in the EU’s Eastern Partnership is, first of all, a value-based cooperation. It is based on a joint European identity and the principles of freedom, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, the rule of law and social responsibility,” A.Ažubalis said.

When presenting activities and tasks of Lithuania’s Chairmanship of the OSCE, Foreign Minister stressed the OSCE’s commitment to make progress in Geneva discussions addressing the issues of security and stability, related to the settlement of the conflict of 2008. In this context, the Minister highlighted the goal of increasing the importance of confidence-building measures.

“Conflict resolution cannot be successful without the involvement of civil society and gaining confidence. Small, but consistent steps in the implementation of confidence building projects constitute a priority of Lithuania’s Chairmanship of the OSCE, which we aim to realize,” A.Ažubalis said.

When speaking about global challenges of foreign policy, the Minister stressed Georgia’s contribution to the effort of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission in Afghanistan.

“Georgia’s contribution to the peace-building process in Afghanistan is the best proof of Georgia’s solidarity and trustiness, and is particularly well appreciated by the international community, which is brought together for a common goal,” A.Ažubalis said.

The Minister also praised the talented and effective diplomatic service of Georgia and wished the diplomats success in achieving Georgia’s foreign policy goals.