The head of Lithuania's diplomacy noted that Lithuania and the Czech Republic enjoyed close and friendly relations, and shared security interests. Lithuania's Foreign Minister thanked the Czech Republic for its contribution to NATO's air policing mission over the Baltic States.
Linkevičius stressed the need to work together to implement the assurance measures that had been taken at the NATO Summit in Wales and to continue close cooperation in the preparation for the NATO Summit in Warsaw.
The Foreign Ministers highlighted the importance of a unified and coordinated policy toward Russia, and the EU's support for Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia.
"We call on Ukraine to intensify efforts to accelerate the implementation of reforms which are necessary for its people. The reforms are carried out in the context of war, so the West must continue to support Ukraine's efforts to continue and further the reform process in the country," said Lithuania's Foreign Minister.
"Russia must demonstrate by its own actions that it is prepared to end the aggression against Ukraine and to fully implement the Minsk accords. Enhancing security in eastern Ukraine is of paramount importance in the implementation of the Minsk accords," said Lithuania's Foreign Minister.
Linkevičius expressed concern over the politicized trial of the Ukrainian fighter pilot Nadiya Savchenko and noted that the EU had to take concrete steps to achieve her liberation.
During the visit to Lithuania, the Czech Foreign Minister also met with members of the Seimas (Parliament) of Lithuania and the Chancellor of the Government Alminas Mačiulis. Zaorálek also attended the European Humanities University's high-level Donors Conference that was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania in cooperation with the European Commission.
