In the meeting, Lithuania’s Foreign Minister emphasized that Norway was a close and reliable partner of Lithuania, while the two countries cooperated closely, particularly in economic, energy security, defence, and other fields.
“Norway is an important NATO ally. Let me thank you for your solidarity and for the country’s significant input into the strengthening of security in the Baltic states,” said Lithuania’s Foreign Minister.
Norway joined NATO’s enhanced forward presence battalion in Lithuania that contributes to deterrence. In addition, the country has participated in the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission.
According to Minister Linkevičius, as the region is facing current geopolitical challenges, it is important to further strengthen the Nordic Baltic Eight (NB8) cooperation, especially seeking to achieve solidarity solutions as regards the region’s energy security, information security, hybrid threats and support for the Eastern Partnership countries. Lithuania’s Foreign Minister noted that the international community should adhere to a resolute common position towards Russia and sanctions against Russia should remain in place until the full implementation of the Minsk agreements.
The Ambassador of Norway Klepsvik presented his letters of credence to the President of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaitė on 16 January.
