News

On 28 October, Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys is paying a working visit to Rome and the Vatican. During the visit, the Minister met Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani. The ministers discussed strengthening bilateral relations between Lithuania and Italy, the security situation in Europe, support for Ukraine, EU enlargement, economic security, and Lithuania’s forthcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Budrys emphasised that Lithuania highly values its close relations with Italy and the two countries’ active cooperation in the political, economic and security spheres.

“Italy is an important partner and a reliable ally for Lithuania. We are united not only by our common interests within the European Union and NATO, but also by a shared understanding that today’s security challenges require a united and resolute response,” Lithuania’s Foreign Minister said.

Considerable attention was devoted to security and defence. The Lithuanian Foreign Minister thanked Italy for its significant contribution to NATO’s Baltic Air Policing and air defence missions in the Baltic States, as well as for its swift response to the drone that entered Lithuanian airspace in September.

“We are grateful to Italian troops for their professionalism and their contribution to the security of our region. The swift and resolute response by our Allies to the airspace violation was a clear demonstration of NATO’s unity and readiness to defend every inch of Allied territory,” Budrys said.

The ministers also discussed Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine and the need to strengthen support for Kyiv. Budrys emphasised that Europe must continue to invest in Ukraine’s defence capabilities, maintain pressure on Russia through sanctions, and support Ukraine’s European integration process.

“Ukraine’s security is Europe’s security. We cannot allow war fatigue to weaken our support. We must continue to increase pressure on the aggressor and ensure that Ukraine receives all the military, financial and political support it needs,” Minister Budrys said.

Budrys also outlined the main priorities of Lithuania’s Presidency of the Council of the EU. According to him, Lithuania will seek to strengthen European security and defence, advance EU enlargement, increase the EU’s competitiveness and economic resilience, and strengthen its ability to respond to hybrid threats. Budrys stressed the importance of economic security and the need to reduce dependence on China and protect the EU market.

The ministers also discussed the EU enlargement process. Budrys emphasised the need to maintain a consistent and merit-based path towards EU integration for Ukraine, Moldova and the countries of the Western Balkans.