News

On 30 March in Bratislava, Slovakia, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Gabrielius Landsbergis met with the Slovak Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Ivan Korčok to discuss Russia's aggression against Ukraine, support for Ukraine and Ukrainians fleeing the war-torn country, possible further international sanctions on Russia and Belarus, measures to strengthen the security of countries on NATO/'s eastern flank, energy security challenges, and bilateral relations between Lithuania and Slovakia.

The Foreign Ministers stressed the need to stand united in solidarity with Ukraine and its people, providing coordinated and comprehensive support, ensuring a swift and strong response to Russia's military aggression, exerting maximum pressure on the Russian regime, expanding and tightening individual and sectoral sanctions, and further increasing Russia's isolation.

“No country may stay away, when aggression, war crimes and destruction of the international law-based global order are being used against a sovereign country. We must offer all necessary humanitarian and military support for Ukraine. Despite the fatigue, Europe must expand and tighten sanctions on Russia. It is also essential to take necessary measures to end our dependence on Russian energy sources," said Landsbergis.

The Foreign Ministers exchanged views and information on Ukraine's difficult humanitarian situation, steps taken by countries to provide support and to address issues pertaining to the reception of Ukrainian refugees.

As regard the strengthening of NATO’s deterrence and  defence posture, the Foreign Ministers discussed the progress in reinforcing NATO’s eastern flank and further actions to be taken ahead of NATO’s next Summit in Madrid. Emphasis was placed on the need to continue efforts to strengthen the essential security of the region, including  the deployment of permanent military forces in the region and detailed NATO defence planning.

The Foreign Ministers welcomed the strengthening bilateral relations, the rapid and steady growth of economic cooperation, and prospects for closer cooperation in the areas of business, tourism and culture.

On 31 March, Landsbergis will also participate in the Bucharest Nine (B9) meeting of Foreign Ministers in Bratislava. The meeting will focus on Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the security situation on NATO’s eastern flank, and preparations for a meeting of the North Atlantic Council at the level of Ministers of Foreign Affairs to be held on 6 and 7 April.