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On 13 September, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Linas Linkevičius attended the annual meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Baltic States and Germany in the 3+1 format in Rīga, which discussed the 25-year-long cooperation between the Baltic States and Germany, the Action Plan for expanding and deepening relations, the implementation of the decisions taken at NATO’s Summit in Warsaw and the strengthening of forces, the key items on the EU agenda, the conflict in Ukraine, arms control, and the situation in Syria. The Foreign Ministers issued a joint statement on behalf of the four countries.

This year, Lithuania and other Baltic States mark the 25th anniversary of their diplomatic relations with Germany. According to Linkevičius, cooperation with Germany is one of Lithuania’s main priorities. Germany’s support was especially important for the consolidation of independence in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, and for moving towards the Euro-Atlantic integration.

In the meeting, the officials discussed the EU agenda after the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union, as well as migration issues. According to Linkevičius, the migration crisis can only be resolved when a unified stance, which is based on solidarity, is taken. The international community’s support is also important. The results of the United Kingdom’s referendum forced the EU to review its mistakes and to take action to justify expectations of the EU citizens.

Linkevičius thanked Germany for its decision to assume a leading role in the formation of NATO’s multinational battalion in Lithuania. Germany has participated in the NATO Air Policing mission in the Baltic States already 8 times and sent its troops to the military exercise.

“Germany plays an important role in ensuring security in the Baltic States and in the region. Historic and very concrete decisions have been taken in Warsaw, which enable the formation of multinational battalions in the Baltic States,” said Linkevičius.

The Foreign Ministers discussed the situation in Ukraine and relations with Russia. Linkevičius stressed the necessity to maintain a sanctions policy against Russia. “Russia must comply with international law. There is no alternative to the Minsk process,” said Linkevičius.

The Foreign Ministers of the Baltic States and Germany also discussed the implementation of the 2015 Action Plan for strengthening communication, resilience against propaganda, and educating society. Each country has a separate agreement with Germany on its Action Plan. Lithuania’s Foreign Minister singled out the particularly successful cooperation between the national public broadcasting company of Lithuania – the Lithuanian National Radio and Television – and “Deutsche Welle”.

Linkevičius and the Foreign Ministers of other Baltic States and Germany also participated in the Ministerial Panel Discussion “Upholding the European Project in a Time of Uncertainty” that was organised by the Stockholm School of Economics in Rīga.