News

On 18 April, Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Audronius Ažubalis attended the informal meeting of NATO Foreign and Defence Ministers in Brussels, which discussed the Alliance’s partnerships with third countries and in what ways this issue was reflected on the agenda of the forthcoming NATO Summit in Chicago.

During discussions on the NATO-Russia partnership, Ažubalis voiced his concerns over a build-up of offensive military capacities in the Kaliningrad region. According to the Minister, this was “not in a spirit of cooperation with partners”.

The Ministers agreed that Summit in Chicago should send a strong message to partners appreciating their contribution to NATO’s operations in Libya and Afghanistan. They also pointed out that it was important to maintain the cooperative momentum that had been achieved with NATO partners working in the joint operations.

Another important message for aspirant countries was a reaffirmation of NATO’s open door policy.

“The benefits of NATO partners’ contribution to the Alliance’s missions are obvious and very important. Lithuania believes that as an aspirant country, Georgia has made a significant continuous contribution alongside NATO Allies to ensure international security. Therefore, we think that Georgia’s efforts should be properly evaluated during the NATO Summit in Chicago,” Ažubalis said.

On 19 April, he is attending the NATO-Russia Council and a Foreign Ministers’ meeting, and discussing the Alliance’s operation in Afghanistan with countries contributing to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).