The meetings focused on bilateral cooperation, relations between the EU and Turkey, the implementation of the decisions of the NATO Summit in Warsaw, relations with Russia, situations in Ukraine, Syria and other international policy issues.
Lithuania’s Foreign Minister expressed condolences to the people of Turkey over the innocent victims of the failed coup attempt. “We have strongly condemned the criminal attempts to overthrow the democratically elected government of Turkey. We stand in solidarity with the people of Turkey in this difficult hour and we are glad that Turkey’s civil society has rallied to protect democracy. We understand that the Turkish civil society is in shock after such a massive attack. Certainly, the crime has to be investigated and the offenders must be brought to justice. We believe that Turkey will respect the principle of the rule of law, international law and human rights, as it has committed to,” said Minister Linkevičius.
As regards the EU-Turkey relations, the Minister Linkevičius noted that Turkey was a very important partner of the European Union, ranked the EU’s fifth-largest trading partner and was linked to the EU by a Customs Union agreement. Tukey also has an important role to play in addressing major challenges such as migration, terrorism and others.
Lithuania has consistently supported Turkey’s European integration efforts. “Lithuania speaks in favour of continuing Turkey’s accession talks, while taking into account the existing requirements and Turkey’s progress in implementing the necessary reforms,” said the Foreign Minister. The head of the Turkish diplomacy assured that Turkey supported Lithuania’s wish to join the OECD.
The Lithuanian and Turkish Foreign Ministers said that the important decisions of the NATO Summit in Warsaw on the strengthening of security of the transatlantic area must be consistently implemented. Lithuania and Turkey are close NATO allies and will continue to strengthen the Alliance’s security. The Foreign Minister Linkevičius stressed that Lithuania remembered very well and also very much appreciated Turkey’s support for Lithuania’s membership of NATO, as well as Turkey’s contribution to the strengthening of security in our region, for example, Turkey’s participation in NATO’s Baltic Air Policing Mission over Lithuania.
The meetings discussed the increasing tension in Ukraine, the annexation of Crimea and rights of the Crimean Tatar people. “Turkey continues to consistently adhere to its position on the non-recognition of the annexation of Crimea,” said the Lithuanian Foreign Minister.
During the visit, the officials also discussed bilateral relations between Lithuania and Turkey, cooperation in economic and other areas. “Having re-established diplomatic relations between our two countries 25 years ago, we can now enjoy our excellent bilateral relationship, which is based on trust, openness and a close political dialogue, as well as solid economic ties and the people-to-people contact,” said the head of the Lithuanian diplomacy.
Lithuania and Turkey re-established their diplomatic relations on 3 September 1991.
On 17 September 1930, Lithuania and Turkey signed the Friendship Agreement. Turkey has never recognized the 1940 annexation of Lithuania.
