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On 28 April, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Gabrielius Landsbergis met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the European Union and Cooperation of Spain José Manuel Albares Bueno, who is visiting Vilnius.

“Despite the fact that we are from different geographical regions, our bilateral relationship is now more robust than ever before. 2022 marks the 100th anniversary of de jure recognition by Spain of Lithuania’s independence. This is a great opportunity to further strengthen our bilateral relations in various areas and to implement joint projects,” Landsbergis said.

The Foreign Ministers also welcomed the deepening bilateral economic cooperation. In 2021, the bilateral trade turnover exceeded one billion euros.

Lithuania's Foreign Minister thanked Spain for its contribution to strengthening the security of Lithuania and Europe as a whole. “Spanish planes and pilots are now protecting our airspace, as they are participating in NATO's Air Policing mission. This is a very important support for us and a practical expression of solidarity,” Landsbergis said.

According to Lithuania's Foreign Minister, the NATO summit in Madrid, Spain, should properly assess the changed security environment and threats posed by Russia. “Today, more than ever, we need decisions on the NATO eastern flank's credible defence. The Alliance must be ready to defend every inch of its territory on land, in air and at sea from the very first minutes of a possible conflict,” Landsbergis said.

The meeting also focused on further assistance to Ukraine in the fight against Russia. Landsbergis noted that it was our duty and common interest to support Ukraine. Thus, we should spare no effort to help the country that is fighting for our shared values and security. Ukrainians urgently need armaments, including heavy weapons, so that they can defend themselves.

The Foreign Minister highlighted the importance of granting the EU candidate status to Ukraine: "It would send a strong signal and, at the same time, we would pay tribute to all Ukrainians, who are currently fighting for the principles and values that we uphold."

Landsbergis emphasized the need to further increase pressure on the aggressor - Russia, reducing its ability to finance a barbaric war machine. “For a few weeks, we have debated the need to impose an embargo on Russian oil and gas imports. I understand that such a solution would be economically painful for some European Union countries, but this is necessary if we wish to starve the aggressor's war machine,” Landsbergis said.

In addition, Landsbergis noted that it was the international community's direct responsibility to ensure that war criminals are punished.

During the meeting, the Foreign Ministers also discussed the situation in the Southern Neighbourhood. “We see the security challenges facing the southern European countries in the Sahel region and North Africa, including the threat from terrorism and a possible global food crisis,” the Foreign Minister said, stressing that Lithuania was ready to join its southern partners, including Spain, in addressing the emerging challenges.

The Spanish Foreign Minister will also visit Spanish soldiers at Zokniai Air Force Base, who are participating in NATO's Air Policing mission.