News

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Linas Linkevičius during his meetings in Oslo on 16 September highlighted the successful Lithuania-Norway cooperation in the energy sector, discussed region’s security, support for Ukraine, as well as NATO issues.

“Norway is our important partner in securing energy alternatives and reliable security guarantees for our region. We cooperate fruitfully in implementing the Klaipėda liquefied gas terminal project and intend to continue this partnership,” said L.Linkevičius meeting with Børge Brende, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway.

Both Ministers stressed that the region’s security situation was very challenging, therefore unity and solidarity were necessary.

“It is very important that Norway joined the EU and US in applying sanctions against Russia, because only in solidarity a desired effect can be achieved.  In such solidarity we have to support Ukraine,” said the head of Lithuania’s diplomacy.

He thanked Norway for its participation in NATO’s air-policing mission in the Baltic States, as Norway had done it twice and plans to participate in the mission next year. L.Linkevičius noted that Norway was Lithuania’s important trading partner and investor.

During the meeting with Minister of EEA and EU Affairs Vidar Helgesen, L.Linkevičius stressed Norway’s contribution to the reduction of social and economic disparities in the European Economic Area (EEA).

“In the context of Russia’s retaliation for sanctions, the EU-Norway trade relations are playing an even greater role and, therefore, it is important to continue negotiations on further opening of the markets. It would be useful for producers and consumers in both the EU and Norway,” said L.Linkevičius.

With the incoming NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, the Lithuanian Foreign Minister discussed the outcome of the NATO Wales Summit that was held this September and the practical implementation of Summit‘s decisions.

“The decisions taken in Wales are very important, but now we have to work together in a responsible and coordinated manner with a view to ensuring their smooth implementation,” said L.Linkevičius.

The incoming NATO Secretary General underlined that the Alliance’s credibility depended on the implementation of the decisions that were taken in Wales. The Lithuanian Foreign Minister invited J.Stoltenberg to visit Lithuania as soon as possible.

Photos: 1. L.Linkevičius (left) and J.Stoltenberg. 2. L.Linkevičius (left) and B.Brende.