News

On 6 April in Vilnius, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Linas Linkevičius met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Mikheil Janelidze, who came to Lithuania on an official visit. The Foreign Ministers discussed the security situation in the region, Georgia’s European and Euro-Atlantic integration, and bilateral relations.

“The renewed Nagorno-Karabakh fighting in Georgia’s neighbourhood reminds us once again about the fragile security environment of the South Caucasus. However, the strong determination of the people of Georgia to be part of the European family contributes to greater security of the whole region beyond doubt. A successful European and Euro-Atlantic integration and the implementation of reforms translate to greater economic independence, more security, and more freedom,” said Linkevičius.

The head of the Lithuanian diplomacy noted that Lithuania would continue to support Georgia’s ongoing reforms which, first of all, were necessary for the people of Georgia.

Minister Linkevičius said he believed that prospects for Georgia’s NATO membership would be reconfirmed at the forthcoming NATO Summit in Warsaw.

Linkevičius voiced support for Georgia’s goal of having a visa-free access for Georgian citizens to the EU in effect by this summer.  Lithuania’s Foreign Minister stressed that this decision would not complete the obligations of Georgia – the country would have to ensure proper practical implementation of the adopted legislation.

Lithuania’s Foreign Minister reiterated that Lithuania had always supported and would further support Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and would continue to consistently raise this issue in international formats. The international community must not forget that one-quarter of Georgia’s territory still remains occupied.

Georgia’s Foreign Minister Janelidze thanked the Lithuanian Foreign Minister for his country’s permanent political and expert support.

The bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Lithuania and Georgia will be discussed also at a meeting of the Lithuanian-Georgian Commission for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration on 7 April.