News

On 21 September, Linas Linkevičius, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania, had a meeting with Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, and discussed the most topical foreign affairs issues: situation in Ukraine and migration challenges.

When referring to the situation in Ukraine the Minister emphasised that Minsk agreements have to be fully implemented and only then we may start considering the revision of the EU policy in respect of Russia.

Linkevičius reminded that we cannot forget our partners in the East and we should continue to support them politically and financially in their efforts to seek closer relations with the EU. We look forward to the positive developments towards visa liberalisation for Georgia and possibly for Ukraine at the end of the year.

The Minister expressed solidarity with the EU Member States in response to migration challenges and addressing the causes of migration. Lithuania has already made the decision on its share of refugee burden.

“Special attention should be devoted to address the causes of migration. We must maintain solidarity in the EU in order to overcome the crisis”, said Linkevičius.

The Minister highlighted that next year when the new EU Global Strategy for foreign and security policy will be adopted we have to take the changes in the European security situation into account and to thoroughly assess Russia’s actions in Ukraine and identify threats. In the European security context development of terrorist group the Islamic State and violent ideologies are equally important.

This is the first Mogherini’s official visit to Lithuania. She was appointed as the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on 30 August 2015 for the term of five years, ending on 31 October 2019.