News

On 16 July, the Chancellor of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Aistė Stakėnienė, participated in a meeting convened by the U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio to discuss the challenges posed by political terrorism to international security, including threats stemming from left-wing extremism.

The high-level ministerial at the U.S. State Department was attended by representatives from more than 60 countries from around the world.

The meeting focused on political terrorism trends, its links with other security threats, extreme left-wing dynamics and the importance of closer international cooperation on strengthening states' resilience.

In her speech, the Chancellor of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Stakėnienė stressed that in the modern security environment various threats are becoming increasingly interrelated.

“Terrorism, violent extremism, organised crime and hostile state interference are no longer separate threats – they converge, reinforce each other and present increasing challenges to democratic societies,” the Chancellor said.

Stakėnienė pointed out that Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine highlighted these trends in Europe and showed that security threats need to be assessed in a complex way.

The Chancellor underlined that all extreme ideologies, including communist ideologies, are officially banned in Lithuania; therefore, Lithuania is ready to continue to actively cooperate with allies and partners in reducing the threat of terrorism.

"The most effective response to today's security challenges is the unity of allies and partners, respect for international law and a shared commitment to defend democratic values and the security of our societies," said Stakėnienė.