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Lithuania’s Foreign Minister Budrys in Berlin: “Working together, we can build a stronger Europe”

Lithuania’s Foreign Minister Budrys in Berlin: “Working together, we can build a stronger Europe”

On 20 January,  the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Kęstutis Budrys, met with German Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in Berlin. It is the first meeting of the heads of Lithuanian and German diplomacies. The Foreign Ministers discussed bilateral cooperation, the deployment of the German brigade to Lithuania, the security situation in the region, support for Ukraine, and sanctions against Russia.

Budrys underlined that Lithuania appreciated Germany’s leadership in enhancing the security of NATO’s eastern flank and its strong commitment to collective defence.

“The deployment of the German brigade to Lithuania until 2027 is a priority task for the Government of the Republic of Lithuania. Therefore, Lithuania will make every effort to create the best conditions for the soldiers of the German brigade and their families in Lithuania. The Lithuanian-German defence cooperation sets an example for allies. Working together, we can build a stronger Europe,” said the Foreign Minister.

At the meeting, Budrys stated that current security challenges and emerging new threats required ever-closer mobilisation and cooperation between the countries of the European Union and NATO allies. The Foreign Minister stressed the need to increase further investment in defence, improve military mobility, and strengthen Europe’s resilience to hybrid threats.

The heads of Lithuanian and German diplomacy discussed Russia’s war against Ukraine and the need to support Ukraine. According to Budrys, the new Government of the Republic of Lithuania will remain unwavering in its support for Ukraine by providing military, political, economic and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. The Foreign Minister underlined that Lithuania appreciated Germany’s firm stance in supporting Ukraine in the fight against Russian aggression by all means.

“German leadership is crucial for both strengthening European security and supporting Ukraine. We must ensure that allied support for Ukraine does not diminish and that the joint strategic goal of the West is sustainable and lasting peace. There is also a need for strategic clarity – do we aim to end Russia’s war against Ukraine or to end Russia’s aggression? The West must stop Russia’s war machine through sanctions and seek Russia’s accountability,” the Foreign Minister said.

Budrys stressed that pressure on Ukraine to negotiate peace from a position of weakness was unacceptable. According to the Foreign Minister, it is also essential to continue consistent political support for Ukraine’s membership in the EU and NATO.

The Foreign Minister believes that Ukraine’s NATO membership is the most effective security guarantee capable of ensuring long-term peace and stability in Europe.
 
In Berlin, the Foreign Minister also met with Jens Plötner, Adviser to the German Federal Chancellor on Foreign and Security Policy, and representatives of German political think tanks.