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On 7 June, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Linas Linkevičius met with the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Saber Chowdhury. In the meeting, the officials discussed the cooperation between Lithuania and the IPU, with special emphasis on the role of international organizations, national institutions and parliaments in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of the United Nations.

“Active and effective cooperation of national, regional and international organizations with representatives of civil society, and policy coherence for development are essential preconditions for successful implementation of the objectives of development,” said Lithuania’s Foreign Minister.

Linkevičius also presented priorities for Lithuania’s term on the Security Council and further involvement in addressing issues related to civilian safety, especially the safety of journalists.

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) was founded at the end of the 19th century. It is the world organization of parliaments and the focal point for worldwide parliamentary dialogue. There are currently 170 members and 11 associate members of the IPU. The Seimas (Parliament) of Lithuania became a member of the IPU in 1923. During the interwar period, the IPU was an important forum for international cooperation for Lithuania. After the restoration of Lithuania’s independence in 1991, the country renewed its IPU membership. The President of the IPU visited Lithuania for the first time in 1994. The IPU has its headquarters in Geneva.