According to the head of the Lithuanian diplomacy, both partner countries did everything that could be reasonably expected, and now it is the EU's turn to perform its obligations, because confidence in the EU and its Eastern Neighbourhood policy directly depends on how this is handled. He also prompted to offer the European perspective to the Eastern Partners, which according to the Minister, does not entail membership in the EU, but a political shift towards common democratic European values.
In the framework of Riga conference, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania met with Andrei Galbur, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Moldova. During the meeting Mr. Linkevičius expressed his approval of the European reforms in Moldova. “Only by moving strongly and assuredly along the path of reforms, which first of all are necessary to Moldova, the Moldavian government will be able to guarantee the trust of the international partners and support of its own citizens,” marked the Minister. Mr. Linkevičius emphasised his trust in that the presidential elections, which will take place in Moldova in a few days, will conform to the international standards.
The Minister Linas Linkevičius also met with Michael Carpenter, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence with responsibility for Russia, Ukraine, and Eurasia. During the meeting they discussed implementation of the USA and NATO security measures in the NATO's east after the Warsaw Summit, and the situation in Ukraine. Mr. Carpenter introduced the Minister to the plans for dislocation of the US forces in the NATO's east. The Minister Linas Linkevičius thanked for the US contribution to strengthening of the Lithuanian and regional security, and noted that reliable deterrence required persistent and continued presence of the US and allied forces in the Baltic States.
