“Norway has been among the first countries to recognize Lithuania’s Independence, and has developed strong ties of cooperation: we have always felt strong backing of your country and its people in numerous fields. Norway has helped Lithuania to strengthen energy security”, said Prime Minister Butkevičius in the meeting.
According to the Lithuanian Head of Government, the Lithuania-Norway partnership has resulted in the construction of a liquefied natural gas terminal in Klaipėda, which has changed the energy security situation in the entire Baltic region: it has provided an alternative gas supply option.
Prime Minister of Norway Solberg said that the two countries have achieved a lot together, and, most importantly, they have considerable potential for future cooperation.
Last year, trade between Norway and Lithuania grew by almost a third. Norway ranks fourth in terms of foreign investment in Lithuania. “We invite your business to consolidate its performance in financial services, insurance, renewable energy resources, electronics, industry, and other sectors in Lithuania. We are highly interested in Norway’s successful experience in enhancing cooperation between science and business”, said Prime Minister Butkevičius.
On international issues, the Prime Minister has noted that Lithuania extends firm support to Ukraine, currently experiencing Russia’s aggression, is in favour of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, and condemns the annexation of Crimea.
The Lithuanian Head of Government has stressed that NATO’s partnership and deployment of the Alliance military forces in the region has strengthened the Baltic region defence shield. “We highly appreciate Norway’s participation in the NATO air-policing mission, acquisition of military equipment, and consolidation of training for military forces”, said Prime Minister Butkevičius.
The Prime Minister of Lithuania has welcomed Norway’s ratification of the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children. The Prime Minister of Norway has emphasized that Norway respects the rights of the child, and that each foreign national residing in Norway must abide by the same rules as the Norwegian citizens.
The meeting has also dealt with the migration challenges in Europe. Prime Minister Butkevičius has noted that Lithuania supports the initiative to consolidate the external borders of the European Union, provides the financial and technical support to the countries that suffer from the challenge most, and honours its commitments in accommodating refugees.
Prime Minister Butkevičius has invited Prime Minister of Norway Solberg to arrive on a visit to Lithuania.
