The topic of the transatlantic and European security and defence received the greatest attention of the Political Directors. In a discussion with the Italian diplomats, it was noted that Lithuania and Italy worked closely together to deal with threats, although they faced different security challenges. Skaisgirytė thanked for the contribution of the Italian military to NATO’s enhanced forward presence initiative and the air policing mission over the Baltic states. They also discussed the progress of the Eastern partners, especially Ukraine’s reforms and security situation. The Italian Political Director shared his country’s knowledge, experience and insights into the issues related to North Africa and the Middle East.
During the visit, Skaisgirytė met with the Diplomatic Adviser to the President of Italy Emanuela D’Alessandro and discussed the preparations for the planned visit of the President of Lithuania to Rome in 2018, as well as the visit of the Italian President to Vilnius. Lithuania’s Political Director also met with the Secretary General for Foreign Affairs of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta Stefano Ronca. They discussed the successful activities of the Order of Malta in Lithuania, and opportunities for implementing joint humanitarian assistance projects in the Eastern Partnership countries. In addition, Skaisgirytė met with representatives from the Secretariat of State of the Holy See and delivered a report on security challenges in Northern Europe at the Institute of International Relations.
On 15 March, the Lithuanian Political Director will attend and speak at a Conference of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Skaisgirytė will give a speech about the decision of Lithuania's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to allocate financial support for this UN agency.
