News

On 15 March, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Linas Linkevičius met with the Secretary of State of the Holy See, Cardinal Pietro Parolin and discussed bilateral cooperation between Lithuania and the Holy See, the European Union’s future and issues related to international conflicts.

Lithuania’s Foreign Minister stressed that the relationship with the Holy See was special and strong, and the Holy See’s support was very important for Lithuania during the occupation period, as well as the Holy See’s attention to current issues relating to security situation in our region.

“We are united by our common values and approach to today’s challenges – the international community must join their efforts to ensure the protection of human rights, address the issues of migration, humanitarian crises and peaceful conflict resolution,” said Linkevičius.

The interlocutors discussed Russia’s aggression in eastern Ukraine and stressed the need to fully implement the commitments undertaken under the Minsk agreements.

During the visit to the Vatican, Lithuania’s Foreign Minister presented to the Pope the postage stamp issued for a joint use in Lithuania and the Vatican to mark the 600th anniversary of the Samogitian (Medininkai) Diocese, also met with the Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher.

Last year, Cardinal Parolin paid an official visit to Lithuania on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the full re-establishment of diplomatic relations between Lithuania and the Holy See. This year, we celebrate the 95th anniversary of our bilateral relations. Pope Pius XI de jure recognized Lithuania on 10 November 1922.