Around 40 top-ranking and influential foreign political experts, analysts, journalists, NATO and NGO representatives, as well as foreign ministers are attending the annual Snow Meeting in Trakai.
"Only close interaction between European states can create a secure and stable life for all Europeans. These past six months have demonstrated that the European perspective is significant not only for our Eastern partners, but also for the whole of Europe. The Vilnius Summit saw the signing of important agreements, but there is yet much work to be done. We must continue supporting the reforms carried out in these countries - which contribute to the process of democratization, economic development and general public welfare," the President said.
Dalia Grybauskaitė underlined that special focus should be placed on the new threats emerging in Europe. The build-up of militarization in the neighborhood, increasing economic pressure, intensifying information war, and ever more frequent cyber-attacks demanded new solutions and close cooperation across Europe.
The President pointed out that Lithuania's role was growing on the geopolitical scene. Lithuania gained valuable experience as it presided over the Council of the European Union, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the Community of Democracies, and the Council of the Baltic Sea States. Last year Lithuania was elected for the first time to serve as a non-permanent member on the UN Security Council. It will hold the Council's presidency in February. Dalia Grybauskaitė stressed that Lithuania's continued work in globally important organizations enhanced the trust it enjoyed at the international level.
The Snow Meeting annually brings together prominent analysts, political scientists and influential foreign politicians from all over the world. This year's meeting - the seventh - focuses on geopolitical changes in the region and beyond its boundaries.