News

On 12 April in Vilnius, Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Audronius Ažubalis and Israel’s Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Strategic Affairs Moshe Ya’alon discussed the issues of Lithuanian-Israeli political, economic and cultural cooperation, and highlighted the strengthening cooperation within international organizations.

“Lithuania values Israel as a friendly and close partner. First of all, Lithuania and Israel share a common history and experience. The visit of the delegation from the March of the Living to Lithuania is very important not only for the participants of the march, but also for the Lithuanian people,” Minister A.Ažubalis said during the meeting.

The Ministers exchanged opinions on the Middle East Peace Pocess and the situation in Iran.

Head of Lithuania’s diplomacy voiced the common European Union’s position on the Middle East Peace Process that aimed at a two-state solution with Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace in the future, and at resuming indirect peace talks. The Minister also said that Lithuania understood Israel’s concern over Iran’s nuclear programme and supported international efforts to guarantee peace and stability in the region.

M.Ya’alon came to Lithuania together with Israel’s delegation from the March of the Living to take part in commemorative events in memory of the Holocaust victims in Lithuania. His meetings with Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius, Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Seimas (Parliament) Emanuelis Zingeris and Minister of National Defence Rasa Juknevičienė are scheduled on the same day. Israel’s Vice Prime Minister will also visit the company Sicor Biotech, will participate in the official ceremony at the Paneriai memorial and will bestow the “Righteous among the Nations” awards on Lithuanians who saved Jews.