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On 1 October, as part of his ongoing visits to the capitals of European Union member states, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Sigitas Mitkus visited Prague, where he met with Jiří Brodský, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, and Milena Hrdinková, State Secretary for European Affairs at the Government Office.

During the visit, the Vice-Minister also delivered opening remarks at the annual LASER-PRO laser technologies exhibition, met with Marek Mutor, President of the Platform of European Memory and Conscience (PEMC), in whose activities Lithuania also participates, and held discussions with representatives of Czech think tanks and the expert community.

The meetings with Czech officials focused on bilateral relations and preparations for Lithuania's Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2027. Other key items on the EU agenda were also discussed, including strengthening competitiveness and preparations for the future EU financial framework. Particular attention was devoted to security in Europe, enhancing transatlantic cooperation, and the need to maintain steadfast support for Ukraine.

“Lithuania and Czechia are linked not only by close bilateral relations, but also by a shared understanding that peace, security and stability in Europe, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe, cannot be taken for granted. Only by acting together and preserving unity within the EU and NATO can we effectively respond to today’s geopolitical challenges. Lithuania highly values the contribution of Czech troops to ensuring security in the Baltic region,” said Vice-Minister Mitkus.

While attending the opening of the LASER-PRO exhibition, Mitkus highlighted Lithuania’s achievements in high technology and the country’s contribution to the global photonics ecosystem.

“Today, Lithuania is rightly recognised as a photonics powerhouse. Technologies developed by our scientists and companies are used in some of the world’s most advanced research centres, as well as in space and industrial projects. We are proud that Lithuania’s laser sector not only helps to build a more competitive European economy, but also contributes to global technological progress,” the Vice-Minister said at the opening ceremony.

The main topic of discussion with PEMC President Marek Mutor was the implementation of the project “Pan-European Memorial for the Victims of Totalitarianism” in Brussels, which Lithuania actively supports.

During the discussion with representatives of Czech think tanks and the expert community, participants exchanged views on the priorities of Lithuania’s forthcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union and other key issues currently on the EU agenda.