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On 6 November, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Gabrielius Landsbergis met with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden Tobias Billström, who is visiting Vilnius, to discuss issues of support to democratic Belarus, strengthening regional security and cooperation, supporting Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression and other relevant items on the international agenda.

“Today, during the visit of Minister Billström, an announcement was made about the Swedish Government’s strengthened policy towards democratic Belarus and would further contribute to the international community’s support to Belarusian civil society in the pursuit of the democratic future, freedom and the accountability of the authoritarian regime for human rights violations in the country. It is symbolic that this takes place in Vilnius, which has become the regional centre of freedom and democracy defenders,” Landsbergis said.

Lithuania and Sweden, together with other international partners, are already supporting various Belarusian civil society initiatives, especially in human rights protection and freedom of expression. Lithuania, Sweden and the European Commission are the largest donors of the Belarusian European Humanities University in Vilnius.

Landsbergis also emphasised that it was our duty and responsibility to offer comprehensive support for Ukraine until its victory.

“We must seize the historic opportunity to invite Ukraine to the EU and open accession negotiations this year. The EU’s enlargement is the best tool we have for expanding the stability and security zone in Europe,” Landsbergis said.

Lithuania’s Foreign Minister also noted that Sweden’s membership of NATO was one of the most urgent priorities. It will undoubtedly boost security in the Baltic Sea region and further strengthen the Alliance. Thus, we look forward to the swift completion of the ratification procedures.

“Both global and regional geopolitical challenges – Russia’s war against Ukraine, hybrid threats - have brought the Baltic and Nordic countries closer together. Therefore, we will continue to work together to strengthen the prospects for regional cooperation, especially in regional security,” said Landsbergis.

Next year, Sweden will coordinate the Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8) cooperation framework.

 
Minister Billström also addressed the annual meeting of heads of Lithuanian representations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania.