President Metsola opened the 20-23 January session by welcoming the Gaza ceasefire, noting the importance of EU-US relations, and marking the anniversary of the death of David Sassoli.

The Board of the Seimas has approved the renewed List of Long-term Priorities for International Cooperation of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania.

Underlining the need to maintain consistency in Lithuania’s foreign and security policy direction and long-term priorities and the continuity of its actions, the Seimas passed a resolution on foreign and security policy.

On Monday afternoon, MEPs discussed the security situation in Europe and beyond as well as defence and EU-NATO cooperation with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys, who is on a visit to Estonia, said that Vilnius wants to normalise relations with Beijing. According to the politician, Lithuania would like China to reinstate its ambassador in Vilnius.

On Friday, 10 January, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Kęstutis Budrys, who is paying a working visit to Estonia, met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia Margus Tsahkna.

Saulius Skvernelis, Speaker of the Seimas, met with Emil Druc, Ambassador of Moldova. They discussed further development of bilateral relations and Lithuania’s support for Moldova’s European integration and the strengthening of security and democracy.

Minister of national Defence Dovilė Šakalienė departs for Germany Thursday to take part in the 25th Ramstein format meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group. Besides that, 8 Ministers of Defence of the countries leading the Capability Coalitions will be held in Ramstein.

On 9-10 January, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Kęstutis Budrys, will be paying working visits to Latvia and Estonia. These will be the first bilateral visits of the head of Lithuania's diplomacy abroad.

On Monday, President Gitanas Nausėda signed the book of condolences at the Embassy of the United States of America to honor the memory of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter.