News

In Paris today, Linas Linkevičius, Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, had a meeting with Philippe Etienne, Diplomatic Adviser of the French President. They discussed fight against terrorism, European Union and NATO agendas, topicalities of Eastern policy, i.e. relations with Russia and the situation in Ukraine, and possibilities to increase defence budgets.

Minister Linkevičius expressed satisfaction with the development of strategic partnership between Lithuania and France and the renewed action plan and urged to augment bilateral relations by adding quality to their substance. He presented Lithuania’s plans to increase its military contingent in Mali and be more active in the fight against terrorist group ISIS; he also thanked France for its comprehensive assistance to Lithuania during the latter’s Presidency of the United Nations Security Council. Then Minister Linkevičius raised the issue of the unsafe construction of the Astravyets nuclear power plant.

Underlining that the French President’s key priority is fight against terrorism, his Diplomatic Adviser expressed sincere gratitude for Lithuania’s contribution into stabilising the situation and ensuring security on the African continent – in Mali and the Central African Republic.

The diplomats noted that the development of national military capabilities and adequate defence budgets of 2 per cent of GDP are important factors in both contexts, in fulfilment of NATO commitments and in development of European defence.

As for Eastern policy, they highlighted the importance of continued joint efforts by the international community and Normandy Four activities.

Philippe Etienne said that President of France Emmanuel Macron aspired to active cooperation with EU member states in such areas as deepening of the Eurozone, European defence, trade, migration, and social affairs while Minister Linkevičius suggested closer direct bilateral ties in those areas, too.