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On 31 March, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Gabrielius Landsbergis participated in the Bucharest Nine (B9) meeting of Foreign Ministers in Bratislava, Slovakia. The meeting focused on Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the security situation in countries 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.

Foreign Ministers discussed impacts of Russia's war against Ukraine on the European security and noted that the threat posed by Russia would be long-term. Therefore, the strengthening of collective defence capabilities must be NATO's highest priority. This should also be reflected in the Alliance’s next strategic concept, which will be discussed at the meeting of the North Atlantic Council at the level of Ministers of Foreign Affairs on 6-7 April.

“NATO has to be fully prepared to face the Russian threat. This is particularly relevant to the Alliance's eastern flank. Allied forces must be deployed in Lithuania and other countries in the region to dispel Russia's doubts over NATO’s readiness and ability to ensure the defence of its territory,” Landsbergis said.

The Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba remotely briefed participants of the meeting on the security and humanitarian situation in Ukraine, and Foreign Ministers discussed the strengthening comprehensive support to Ukraine.

“Lithuania will support Ukrainians’ struggle for their state and freedom until victory. We also call on the international community to increase practical support to Ukraine and to increase pressure on Russia”, Landsbergis noted.

Photos: The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic