"Today global security is facing new threats that require proper solutions. It is crucial to pay greater attention to the problems relating to energy security, cyber security, and climate change. Our country, elected to the United Nations Security Council, is ready to work responsibly towards the best and most appropriate solutions to these challenges," the President said.

The President and the Secretary-General discussed preparations for the upcoming Vilnius Summit. They exchanged views on economic pressure and information attacks experienced by Eastern Partnership countries and Lithuania as this important event is approaching. The human rights situation in Eastern Partnership countries was also discussed.

The President called attention to energy security. More and more international conflicts today arise over energy resources. Therefore, this issue is vitally important for the entire world. The EU-UN cooperation for ensuring peace in Syria, Iran and Palestine was also featured at the meeting.

According to the President, serving on the UN Security Council Lithuania will seek to advance implementation of international obligations. Every UN member must abide by the international law, fairly fulfill its assumed obligations and ensure the rule of law. It is one of the main ways to strengthen peace and security in the world. Lithuania will also see to protecting women's and children's rights, in particular in conflict zones.

The meeting touched upon one of the key items on the UN agenda - the Millennium Development Goals beyond 2015. Among the other points of discussion was reducing poverty and achieving sustainable development worldwide. The President noted that Lithuania's experience in implementing major political and economic reforms could be useful to developing countries.

Lithuania was elected as a non-permanent member to the UN Security Council on 17 October. Of the 193 UN members, 187 voted in favor of Lithuania's membership in the Council. The Security Council has 15 members. Five countries - the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia and China - are permanent members. The other ten non-permanent members are elected for a two-year term.

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