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On 1 March in Vilnius, the meeting between the Lithuanian and German Foreign Ministers – Linas Linkevičius and Sigmar Gabriel – focused on prospects for bilateral cooperation, the security situation in our region, the deployment of the NATO enhanced forward presence battalion in Lithuania led by framework nation Germany, the situation in Ukraine, relations with Russia, the EU’s Eastern neighbourhood, the European agenda items, energy security, and other international policy issues.

“Germany’s role is particularly important in ensuring security in the Baltic states and in the region. We highly appreciate Germany’s intense efforts in this field, its presence as a leader in deploying a NATO multinational battalion to Lithuania. Germany has participated in NATO’s air policing mission eight times. This is a historical development that demonstrates strong solidarity among members of the Alliance,” said Linkevičius.

Lithuania’s Foreign Minister said that cooperation with Germany was one of Lithuania’s key priorities.

“We are interested in deepening relations with Germany in various fields. In 2015, we agreed on a Joint Action Plan for strengthening people-to-people ties, resilience to propaganda, and public education. Today, we see the results. The Lithuanian National Radio and Television and Germany’s international news channel Deutsche Welle are cooperating, other projects are being implemented,” said Linkevičius.

In the meeting, Lithuania’s Foreign Minister stressed that the construction of the Astravets nuclear power plant in Belarus was not only Lithuania’s national security concern and a pressing issue.

“We must make a concerted effort to have nuclear safety ensured in the EU’s neighbourhood. And Germany has supported our effort,” stressed Linkevičius.

The two Foreign Ministers discussed the situation in Ukraine and relations with Russia. Linkevičius stressed the necessity to maintain the Euro-Atlantic unity in regard to Russia. This is especially true in face of upcoming elections in the European Union member states and relations of the new U.S. administration with the EU, NATO and Russia. The sanctions policy towards Russia must be maintained until the implementation of the Minsk agreements. According to the head of Lithuania’s diplomacy, the international community’s support is very important for Ukraine.

As regards the European agenda and challenges faced by Europe, Linkevičius emphasized the need to maintain the EU’s unity, solidarity and respect for common values. Our common goal is to preserve the achievements of the EU, to ensure the protection of our citizens and to restore confidence in the EU.

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