News

On 23 May in London, the United Kingdom, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Gabrielius Landsbergis met with Elizabeth Truss, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs.

The meeting focused on issues pertaining to a response to Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine, the provision of support for Ukraine, strengthening NATO’s eastern flank and bilateral cooperation.

Landsbergis noted that pressure on Russia must be maintained, seeking to end its military aggression against Ukraine. “Today, Ukraine is defending Europe against Russia's threat. Cities are being destroyed and people are being killed every day in Ukraine. The UK has demonstrated exceptional leadership, condemning the Kremlin's aggression, providing military, humanitarian and financial support for Ukraine, and imposing unprecedented sanctions," Landsbergis said.

During the meeting, the Foreign Ministers discussed the need to mobilise efforts and partners, to find a way to unblock the port of Odessa as soon as possible, and to ensure the safety of Ukrainian grain exports to nations on the brink of famine.

Landsbergis thanked Truss for strengthening NATO’s eastern flank. “The deployment of additional British troops in the region contributes to NATO's deterrence and defence. We are grateful to the United Kingdom for its active participation and leadership in ensuring the security of the Baltic region. In addition, the Standing Joint Force Headquarters is now operating across a temporary location in Lithuania. This recent deployment is the latest and very important example of the country's outstanding leadership,” Landsbergis said.

During the meeting, relevant issues of bilateral cooperation were discussed. Lithuania and the United Kingdom signed a joint declaration on bilateral cooperation, designed to step up the strategic cooperation, political dialogue, and close cooperation between the two countries in the fields of defence and security, the fight against transnational crime, economy, technology, bilateral trade, education, science and culture.

“Our countries share common values, a common strategic vision, and a values-based foreign policy. I am glad to be able to sign the declaration, as we are celebrating a centenary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Lithuania and the United Kingdom this year,” Landsbergis said.

During his visit to London, Lithuania's Foreign Minister  also participated in a round table of the Council on Geostrategy, which discussed the war in Ukraine and its impact on the future of European security.

Photos: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.