News

On 19 May, Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Linas Linkevičius visited the Palestinian National Authority. At the meeting with the Foreign Minister of the Palestinian National Authority Riyad Al-Maliki, he stressed the importance of the renewal of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. “It is necessary to renew talks as soon as possible. Lithuania speaks in favour of the achievement of a decision, which would enable Israel and Palestine to live side by side in peace and security,” Linkevičius said.

During the meeting, prospects for the bilateral cooperation between Lithuania and the Palestinian National Authority were discussed; Lithuania’s incoming Presidency of the EU Council was presented. The officials also discussed the Middle East peace process and regional security issues.

“Lithuania is open for a dialogue with the Palestinian Authority and ready to share its experience of implementing democratic reforms. Europe speaks up for the financial stability of the Palestinian Authority, which is mandatory for implementing necessary reforms,” Linkevičius said.

Since 2009, Lithuania has annually implemented at least one development cooperation project to strengthen the administrative capacity of the Palestinian Authority, the role of non-governmental organizations, etc. Between 2009 and 2010, Lithuania delegated one police officer to the European Police mission in Ramallah (EUPOL COPPS). This year, Lithuania plans to accredit a diplomat to Ramallah, and to organise and internship for a Palestinian diplomat in the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In March 2013, Lithuania upgraded the status of Nabil Darwish Alwazir, head of the General Delegation of Palestine in Helsinki. He is now designated the “Chief of the Palestinian Mission who resides in Helsinki”.