News

On 24 September, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Linas Linkevičius met with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland Timo Soini, who is visiting Lithuania, to discuss bilateral political and economic relations, regional cooperation and key issues on European agenda, including migration, the security situation in the region, relationship with Russia, the situation in Ukraine, cooperation in the fields of energy and transport.

“Cooperation with Finland and other Nordic countries is one of the most important priorities of Lithuania’s foreign policy,” said Linkevičius.

He welcomed the dynamic economic relations, the growing number of tourists from Finland. The Foreign Ministers agreed that it was necessary to continue to provide assistance for Ukraine and to adhere to a common position towards Russia.

“We are facing very similar threats, so we have to strengthen cooperation to ensure the security in the region. Not less important is our cooperation to counter Russian propaganda,” said Lithuanian Foreign Minister.

As regards Europe’s migration crisis, Linkevičius and Soini agreed that in this case it was necessary to demonstrate solidarity, however, the Foreign Ministers stressed that it had to be done in accordance with the principle of voluntarism. They also underlined the need to address the root causes of migration more seriously.

During the meeting, Linkevičius also informed Soini about the ongoing energy and transport infrastructure projects.

The Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs Soini visited Lithuania for the first time. During the visit, he also met with the Speaker of the Seimas (Parliament) Loreta Graužinienė and the Minister of National Defence Juozas Olekas.