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On 11 January in Vilnius, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Gabrielius Landsbergis met with the Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Luminița-Teodora Odobescu, who came to take part in the annual Snow Meeting 2024 of security policy experts, which kicks off today.

According to the head of Lithuania’s diplomacy, this visit confirms excellent bilateral relations based on common security and defence interests, close cooperation between the EU and NATO, and a shared wish to intensify transatlantic ties.

“We value Romania as an active, competent and reliable partner, which significantly helps Moldova and supports Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s aggression,” Landsbergis said.

At the meeting, Lithuanian and Romanian Foreign Ministers focused on a long-term strategy to deter Russia and stop its expansionism. They also discussed the possibilities of building a new European security architecture without Russia.

“It is necessary to continue to isolate the aggressor in international organizations and reduce its military capabilities, cranking up pressure through sanctions. Until the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, we must agree on the most powerful new package of sanctions against Russia,” Landsbergis said.

Foreign Ministers also discussed measures to enhance NATO’s deterrence and defence posture on the eastern flank to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia’s aggression.

“As Ukraine is now facing an even more aggressive Russian offensive, a shortage of weapons, particularly of ammunition and air defence systems, is beginning to cause difficulties. The production and supply of munitions to Ukraine is our joint (EU) commitment, which must be implemented urgently. We must strive to ensure a sustainable, predictable and long-term commitment to provide military support to Ukraine under the European Peace Facility (EPF) for the next four years and beyond and to ensure that the defence industry of the European Union becomes a priority for the production of munitions and armaments for Ukraine,” Landsbergis said.

The Foreign Ministers of Lithuania and Romania also expressed their support for Ukraine’s and Moldova’s aspirations to become members of the European Union. They discussed the goals and expectations for this year’s NATO summit – the implementation of approved defence plans, progress in meeting defence spending commitments and further progress in Ukraine’s accession to NATO.
 
Landsbergis congratulated Romania on a gradual Schengen accession (after 31 March 2024, once the air and sea borders checks are removed) and voiced support for its full-fledged membership as soon as possible.
 
Lithuania and Romania will celebrate the centenary of their diplomatic relations this summer.