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On 18 December, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Gabrielius Landsbergis, welcomed the participants of the annual Lithuanian-German Forum 2023 at the Lithuanian Parliament (Seimas). Welcoming the excellent bilateral relations between Lithuania and Germany, the Head of the Lithuania’s diplomacy noted that all the achievements could disappear if we fail to respond properly to Russia's war against Ukraine in the neighbourhood.

“We have worked together for many years in a peaceful environment, but now we are facing a new reality of war and unpredictability. As painful as it may be for both our countries, we are back to the times when the wall in Europe is going up again. Fortunately, this time it will not be called the Berlin Wall, but the events in Ukraine may determine which city will have to give the name to the new wall,” said Landsbergis.

The Minister noted similar threat assessment shared by both countries. The emergence of Zeitenwende clearly shows Germany’s awakening and a change in policy.

“Germany’s decision to deploy over 5,000 troops in Lithuania is a decision of geostrategic, geopolitical and geo-economic importance for both countries. It is also a strong manifestation of a geopolitical Europe, as Ursula von der Leyen put it. Finally, it is a clear signal that Europe can stand together and take care of its security,” the Minister said.

Landsbergis said that Germany’s decision to deploy a brigade in Lithuania was a strategic element of NATO’s deterrence against the possibility of attack. It is the only deterrent that speaks to the Russian regime.

Today, 18 December, the Defence Ministers of Lithuania and Germany will sign an action plan for the deployment of the German brigade in Lithuania.

The Lithuanian-German Forum was launched on 4 October 2005 on the initiative of the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry in order to develop closer bilateral relations. Since 2018, the forum has organised high-level annual discussions on Lithuanian and German relations.

Full text of the Minister's speech at the Lithuanian-German Forum 2023 in English is available here.

Photo: Seimas Chancellery (by Ilona Šilenkova)