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Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Linas Linkevičius took part in the GLOBSEC Bratislava Security Conference in Slovakia on 19-20 June. During the discussion on Russia, Linkevičius underlined the need to learn from history when assessing Russia’s actions and the necessity for the West to begin to react accordingly.

“We restored normal relations with Russia too quickly after the war in Georgia in 2008. We made a mistake, which has led to events in Ukraine and to Russia’s creeping occupations. Russia can be affected by clear arguments and a strong stance. The West must do what is necessary in order to ensure countries’ security, which is in no way provocative. On the contrary, it would be provocative not to take care of our own security,” said Linkevičius, who was invited to give a speech at the GLOBSEC’s session on Russia this year.

During the visit, the Minister also met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovakia Miroslav Lajčák to discuss the European migration policy, the situation in Ukraine, Russia’s aggressive actions and the situation in Greece.

The Ministers agreed that the EU had to put more effort into helping Ukraine to carry out all necessary reforms.

“The EU has various measures to help Ukraine and should really make use of them,” said Linkevičius. The Ministers also agreed to jointly strive to ensure respect for the voluntary principle when addressing the issues related to migration.

Photos: Linkevičius meets with Lajčák, gives a speech at the GLOBSEC Conference.