Lithuania’s new Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe presented his letters of credence
Permanent Representative of Lithuania to the Council of Europe (CoE) Vytautas Leškevičius presented the letters of credence to Secretary General of the CoE Thorbjørn Jagland on September 8.
The Ambassador noted that Lithuania supported the role of CoE in ensuring standards of democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Europe, which were particularly important for states aspiring for EU membership.
T.Jagland assured his personal commitment in seeking the organization’s attention and continuous involvement in assisting the EU Eastern Partners to implement reforms.
V.Leškevičius noted that the CoE standards should be equally applicable to all member states, and that membership obligations should be respected. This high-principled CoE position in observing and evaluating how member states respect their obligations is very important in these critical for Europe days.
Lithuania supports efforts by the Secretary General in strengthening the organization’s political role, as well as legal and value-based foundations.
The interlocutors also discussed the role of the CoE and of the Secretary General in finding a solution to the crisis in Ukraine, which is caused by external aggression.
They agreed on the need to enhance cooperation among the CoE and other international organizations, first of all with the EU, as well as with the CoE non-member states.
Photo: V.Leškevičius (left) and T.Jagland (The Council of Europe)
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