LITHUANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER ON HIS WORKING VISIT IN GERMANY
Created 2001-10-15
On October 12, Lithuanian foreign minister Antanas Valionis met the German minister of defence Rudolf Scharping and the advisor of the federal chancellor of Germany Michael Steiner.
Minister Valionis expressed his thanks to the minister of defence for Germany’s assistance in building the Lithuanian army. The ministers discussed German-Lithuanian cooperation in the sphere of security as well as Lithuania’s integration into NATO. The current anti-terrorist campaign was also discussed. The minister of defence noted the importance of Lithuania’s contribution to the international coalition. According to Mr. Scharping, the anti-terrorist coalition is ready for long lasting fight against terrorism not only by using military measures. The minister emphasized the necessity of closer cooperation between Germany, the Baltic States and the Nordic countries in their fight against terrorism. Mr. Scharping confirmed his visit to Lithuania on October 30.
Minister Valionis informed Michael Steiner about Lithuania’s participation in the anti-terrorist coalition’s activities, contribution to the security as well as the activities against terrorism and support of the Lithuanian society for NATO membership. Advisor Steiner confirmed that Lithuania’s participation in the joint anti-terrorist campaign is important for the Alliance. He reiterated the objective criteria for NATO enlargement, such as the democratic process, the course reforms and implementation of the membership action plan (MAP). According to Mr. Steiner, Lithuania is on the right way in implementing these criteria. Lithuanian prime minister’s future visit to Germany was also discussed during the meeting.
Minister Valionis has also met Mr. Volker Rühe, the deputy head of the Christian democrats’ parliamentary group in the Bundestag. Mr. Rühe confirmed Germany’s firm position concerning the Baltic countries membership in NATO. He noted that no state has a right to veto upon the choice of these countries’ security arrangements. Minister Valionis invited Mr. Rühe to visit Lithuania.
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