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On 13 June, the Minister-designate of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Kęstutis Budrys, met with the Minister of State of the United Arab Emirates, Lana Nusseibeh, on the margins of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels. The Ministers discussed bilateral relations between Lithuania and the UAE, the security situation in the Middle East, support for Ukraine and the agenda for EU-UAE relations.

When discussing the security situation in the Middle East region, the Minister emphasized that Lithuania supports efforts to restore the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, reduce tensions and strengthen stability in the Middle East. Budrys underlined the importance of close cooperation with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states to ensure operational efficiency and regional security. He also stressed that Lithuania condemned Iran's attacks on the UAE and other countries in the Middle East region.

Budrys underlined that Lithuania appreciates the constructive and consistently strengthening dialogue with the UAE. The Minister noted that recent security challenges in the region increase the level of cyber threats. Therefore, Lithuania proposes to strengthen practical cooperation in the field of cyber resilience. According to Budrys, Lithuanian technology companies are active in the UAE market and see significant opportunities to expand partnerships in advanced technologies and life sciences.

“We see the United Arab Emirates as an economic partner with great potential. We see opportunities to expand trade and investment links, especially in high-tech sectors," said Budrys.

The Minister also expressed Lithuania's support for the ongoing EU-UAE free trade agreement negotiations, stressing their importance in strengthening economic relations and creating new business opportunities for both countries.
Budrys invited the UAE to join Lithuanian projects in Ukraine. The Minister presented priority initiatives for Lithuania, such as the 'Future School for Ukraine' project, programmes to strengthen energy resilience and the ‘Children First. Protection of Ukraine’s Future’ initiative to support Ukrainian children affected by the war.

According to the Minister, targeted partner investments can help to quickly and directly improve the resilience and living conditions of Ukrainian communities.

At the meeting, the Ministers also discussed the issue of preventing the circumvention of sanctions against Russia. Budrys called on the UAE to actively contribute to international efforts to prevent sanctions evasion and thus reduce Russia's ability to continue its aggression against Ukraine and limit the development of Russian-Iranian military cooperation.

Budrys also presented Lithuania's readiness to hold the Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2027. The Minister underlined that Lithuania would seek to strengthen the EU's security and defence, maintain full support for Ukraine, promote the EU's competitiveness and strengthen its partnership with the Gulf region countries.