News

On 13 March in Canberra, the Lithuanian delegation, led by the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Julius Pranevičius participated in political consultations between Lithuania and Australia. The Australian delegation was led by Christian Hirst, First Assistant Secretary of the Europe Division at the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

During the consultations, opportunities for the development of bilateral relations, strengthening political dialogue, and intensifying economic relations were discussed. At the meeting the Lithuanian delegation expressed its appreciation for Australia's growing support for Ukraine and devoted time to talk about the joint commitment of the two countries to defend democracy and the rules-based international order. Both sides discussed the opportunities and prospects for Lithuania to cooperate with the Pacific Island States more actively, considering Australia's experience and its regional ties.

“Lithuania and Australia are united not only by common values and determination to defend democracy, but also by their potential to contribute together to the stability and security of the Indo-Pacific region. Australia’s active engagement in providing support for Ukraine is an important proof that our partnership is growing stronger and more concrete,” stressed Pranevičius.

In addition to political consultations, Pranevičius also met with the former Prime Minister of Australia Anthony (Tony) Abbott, the Senator of the Australian Parliament, also with the Chair of the Parliament group for relations with the Baltic states Deborah O’Neil, as well as with the Deputy Secretary of Strategy, Policy, and Industry at the Australian Department of Defense Hugh Jeffrey. The meetings focused on geopolitical challenges, cybersecurity, and the importance of strategic communication.

In Canberra and Sydney, the Foreign Vice-Minister also met with Professor Rory Medcalf, Head of the National Security College; representatives of Australia's leading cyber security company CyberCX led by Alastair MacGibbon; Michael Fullilove, the Executive Director of Australia's leading international think tank Lowy Institute; Hervé Lemahieu, Director of Research at the Lowy Institute; and prominent political scientists John Lee and Alan Dupont. 

“Today’s geopolitical realities require closer cooperation between countries not only in the area of traditional security but also in countering hybrid and cyber threats,” stressed the Foreign Vice-Minister when speaking about cyber security and the need to strengthen cooperation. 

During his visit to Australia, the Vice-Minister also met with members of the Lithuanian community in Sydney. He praised their sense of community and active support for Ukraine, familiarized himself with the issues of concern for the local Lithuanians, and discussed opportunities to strengthen their ties with Lithuania.