Saulius Skvernelis has thanked the Polish Prime Minister Morawiecki for his personal contribution to the strengthening of the Lithuanian-Polish strategic partnership, which is Lithuania’s key foreign policy priority.
‘Poland’s success is our success. That is why we will work together to ensure that the interests of the region are represented in the EU and NATO’, said Saulius Skvernelis.
Lithuania appreciates the very close cooperation between the two countries and their people, and it has therefore been proposed to hold a joint meeting between the Lithuanian and Polish Governments early next year. According to the Prime Minister, this would be a good opportunity to reflect on the current achievements and outline future directions for the bilateral relations.
The meeting has also focused on security issues. It has been emphasised that the situation in the region calls for joint planning of regional defence, particularly the air defence. Poland’s s contribution to the security of the region is crucial. This year, it has been the eighth time for Poland to participate in the NATO’s Baltic Air Policing Mission. Polish troops serve in the NATO Force Integration Unit in Lithuania and have joint exercises. Lithuania supports the strengthening of the US military contingent in Poland and is considering opportunities for closer trilateral cooperation between the US, Poland and Lithuania.
Saulius Skvernelis has welcomed the ruling by the European Court of Justice on restricting the transit of Nordstream gas through the Opal pipeline. This is a very important decision in the struggle for the EU’s energy independence. Poland was supported by Lithuania, which also joined the case. It is also a good example of how significant decisions can be taken through concerted efforts at EU level.
The Colleagues have also discussed the negotiations on the EU multi-annual budget, the UK withdrawal and other issues at stake on the EU agenda. The Prime Ministers have agreed that the EU cohesion policy must be properly funded, the interests of our farmers need to be protected and EU funds must be secured for strategic infrastructure projects.
The Head of the Lithuanian Government has also thanked Mr Morawiecki for his strong support for the synchronisation of the power grids of the Baltic States via Poland. According to Saulius Skvernelis, our strategic goal remains unchanged - Lithuania is ready to put into practice the synchronisation project by 2025, and the new electrical link along the Baltic Sea will further integrate our energy systems and ensure resilience. Lithuania values the common position to prevent unsafe electricity from entering the EU market.
Saulius Skvernelis has taken the opportunity to invite the Polish Prime Minister to come to Lithuania for the reburial of the remains of the heroes of the 1863-1864 uprising to be held on 30 November in Vilnius.
