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FOREIGN MINISTER REAFFIRMED LITHUANIA’S SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE’S EURO-ATLANTIC ASPIRATIONS

On 22 February, during the NATO foreign ministers meeting in Brussels, Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Antanas Valionis assured that Lithuania strongly supports Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic integration objectives and urged the allies to be open for Ukraine’s practical needs and political aspirations. Lithuanian Foreign Minister also underlined that the key to success is in Ukraine’s hands. A.Valionis takes part in NATO Summit meeting in the capital of Belgium in the delegation led by Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus. The Alliance’s foreign ministers held separate discussion on NATO-Russia further cooperation perspectives, Ukraine and the Balkans issues. A. Valionis emphasized that cooperation with Russia should be based on common Euro-Atlantic values. The main accent of this NATO Summit was the assurance of vitality of the transatlantic link and acknowledgement of NATO as the most effective form of transatlantic security dialogue. This was underlined in the Statement endorsed at the Summit: “We, the 26 Heads of State and Government of the member countries of the North Atlantic Alliance, reaffirm the enduring value of the transatlantic link, renew our commitment to collective defence, and remain united in our commitment to our shared security and common values of democracy, freedom, individual liberty and the rule of law in addressing today's security challenges”. The Statement also speaks about NATO’s commitments in Afghanistan, training of Iraqi security forces, the Balkans, cooperation with partners of the Mediterranean dialogue and new Istanbul cooperation initiative. NATO leaders underlined the importance of NATO and EU strategic cooperation, confirmed the intentions to enhance NATO-Russia partnership, expressed support for Ukraine’s way to democracy and welcomed its ambitions of Euro-Atlantic integration. The participants of the Summit expressed their determination to strengthen the Alliance and continue its transformation in order to respond successfully to present international security challenges. During the meetings it was also agreed to continue discussions on strengthening of the transatlantic link and enhancing the effectiveness of decision-making in informal NATO foreign ministers meeting in Vilnius in April. In NATO-Ukraine Commission meeting, which is also planned to take place in Vilnius, specific means and instruments for strengthening NATO-Ukraine partnership will be talked over.