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On 3 June, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Kęstutis Budrys, met with the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot. Ministers discussed bilateral cooperation, strengthening support for Ukraine, European security, and defence.

Budrys thanked France for its commitment to collective defence and contribution to the security of NATO's forefront lines by participating in the Baltic Air Policing mission and invited the French to contribute to the implementation of NATO's rotational air defence model in Lithuania. Ministers discussed the need to strengthen the European defence industry and the potential for Lithuania and France to expand cooperation in this area.

“Lithuania and France are united not only by a strategic partnership but also by a sincere friendship and by upholding European and democratic values. We must continue to work together to strengthen Europe’s security and resilience and to support Ukraine, where the future of our continent is being decided today”, said the Minister.

The Minister underlined that the 2024 season of Lithuania in France also strengthened  bilateral relations. This exceptional initiative to promote Lithuania's image and culture in France has led to numerous partnerships between representatives of cultural, academic, and scientific communities, associations, businesses, public and private institutions, and think tanks.

At the meeting, Budrys stressed that Europe must strengthen Ukraine's positions and support the pursuit of a just and lasting peace. The Minister underlined that the security of Ukraine was the security of Europe and thanked France for its leadership in the Coalition of the Willing. According to the Minister, the aggressor, Russia, cannot be allowed to dictate the terms of the peace process. It is necessary to pressure the Kremlin to agree to an unconditional ceasefire followed by peace talks. The head of Lithuania's diplomacy emphasized the importance of expressing support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, demanding the return of children and civilians abducted by Russia, and seeking accountability for the crime of aggression.

"Until now, we have seen only the Kremlin's attempts to delay the process and divert attention, not to pursue peace. We must use all the means of pressure at our disposal to change the course of events, in particular Russia's acceptance of an unconditional ceasefire," he said.

At the meeting with Barrot, the Minister emphasized the importance of maintaining uninterrupted military support for Ukraine. Budrys stressed that the operation carried out over the weekend by the Ukrainian Armed Forces against Russian military targets denied the Kremlin's narrative of military dominance and showed that Ukraine could successfully defend itself if it had all the necessary means at its disposal. Therefore, according to the Minister, it is important to provide all the necessary military support – air defence systems, bullets, ammunition, and other weapons.

During the visit, Budrys and Barrot signed the Action Plan for the Strategic Partnership between Lithuania and France.

Photos: The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France