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On 27 April, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys met with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore Vivian Balakrishnan. Ministers discussed bilateral relations, the security of the Euro-Atlantic region, and the Indo-Pacific.

The meeting took place in the context of the upcoming Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of next year. For its part, Singapore will take over the coordination of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year.

“Geographical distances have lost their meaning in today’s context. A crisis in one region of the world can have a ‘butterfly effect’, with consequences for our security for all. That is why the European Union's close dialogue with ASEAN countries and joint efforts to preserve the global order based on the principles of international law are becoming a vital interest for all of us," said Budrys.

The Minister thanked Singapore for its principled position in defending the norms of international law and consistent support in the vote of support for Ukraine at the UN General Assembly.

The Minister of Singapore took an interest in the assessment of the situation in Ukraine by the head of Lithuania's diplomacy and insights into possible future scenarios for achieving a just and sustainable peace.

According to Budrys, Lithuania's steadily increasing cooperation with Singapore in the field of security and defence contributes to a better understanding of the security situation and geopolitical processes in Southeast Asia and their impact on transatlantic security.

The meeting expressed the need to exchange relevant information in order to respond effectively to emerging security challenges.

The conversation focused on the development of economic cooperation, especially in the areas of high-tech, financial services, and innovation, promoting business relations and investment in both countries.