Linkevičius stressed that cooperation with Germany was one of the most important priorities of Lithuania’s foreign policy.
“This year, we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between Lithuania and Germany. Over this period, we have expanded our cooperation in the fields of culture, education, economy, defense and many other areas. Germany is a very important trade and investment partner for Lithuania. We are glad that more German tourists come to Lithuania. We wish to see even more of Germany in Lithuania,” said Linkevičius.
The Foreign Ministers noted the importance of closer cooperation aiming at a successful NATO Summit in Warsaw. Linkevičius pointed out that we needed a clearly visible and palpable allied presence in the region.
“We hope that important decisions will be taken at the NATO Summit in Warsaw, which will strengthen the alliance’s eastern wing. In this context, we appreciate Germany’s active efforts, namely the country’s participation in the NATO air policing mission, sending troops to take part in the military exercise in Lithuania, and cooperation in the field of armaments and equipment,” said Linkevičius.
The Foreign Ministers of the two countries discussed the situation in Ukraine and relations with Russia. According to the head of Lithuania’s diplomacy, Ukraine carries out all the necessary reforms in the midst of a difficult environment, thus it needs international community’s support very much. Linkevičius stressed the need to stick to the EU’s sanctions policy to withstand and deter Russian aggression until full implementation of the Minsk agreements.
In the meeting, the Foreign Ministers also discussed propaganda threats, the implementation of the joint Lithuanian-German action plan of 16 April 2015 to combat propaganda. Linkevičius welcomed the ongoing cooperation between the public broadcasters in the two countries – the National Radio and Television of Lithuania and Deutsche Welle – as well as other joint projects.
Lithuania’s Foreign Minister drew the attention to the continuing construction of Belarusia’s unsafe nuclear power plant, which breached international agreements on nuclear safety requirements. “Together with the European Union and the international community we must actively and consistently strive to have Belarus implement all the recommendations suggested by international institutions and comply with the highest international nuclear safety standards,” said Linkevičius.
