‘I have thanked the Chancellor for her personal contribution to the development of diplomatic relations with Lithuania over the past fifteen years, and for Germany’s contribution to strengthening the unity of the European Union during the pandemic. Lithuania is interested in close cooperation between the Member States and institutions of the European Union in the procurement of vaccines and coordinated actions to stop the spread of virus mutations,’ said the Prime Minister.
According to the Prime Minister, it is necessary to urge pharmaceutical companies to ensure a transparent and reliable supply of vaccines to the Member States.
On smooth implementation of the Multiannual Financial Framework of the European Union, the Prime Minister has emphasised the need to maintain adequate funding for the Rail Baltica project from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) fund in negotiations with the European Parliament. She has also stressed the need to accelerate the electricity synchronization project, so that it could be completed on time and, where possible, ahead of schedule.
Russia’s persecution of Alexei Navalny and the situation in Belarus have been discussed during the conversation.
‘We need not only a strong and united position of the European Union with regard to Russia, but also concrete actions arising from it,’ has noted Ingrida Šimonytė.
The Prime Minister has also stressed the need for the EU Member States to coordinate actions closely with a view to preventing interference in their internal affairs through propaganda and disinformation. On Belarus, continued pressure on the regime, and the importance of effective EU support for the people of Belarus have been emphasised. Attention has been drawn to Russia’s influence on Belarus, which is also being exerted through geopolitical projects such as the unsafe nuclear power plant in Astravyets.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the restoration of diplomatic relations with Germany. At the invitation of the Chancellor of Germany, Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė is planning a visit to Germany this year, which will take place as soon as the conditions of the pandemic allow.
