“Lithuania has always supported the people of Georgia and their clear European and Euro-Atlantic orientation. We stand ready to continue and, if necessary, expand our expert assistance in implementing the necessary long-term reforms that would strengthen the country’s democratic institutions and thus contribute to its prosperity. This process requires focus and patience on the part of Georgia’s institutions, but the future of the country’s European and Euro-Atlantic integration is in the hands of Georgia and no one else," said the Head of Government.
Prime Minister of Lithuania stressed that a strong civil society in Georgia plays an important role in achieving the country’s Euro-integration goals.
Šimonytė emphasized that at the moment, the biggest threat to world’s democracies is Russia, whose military aggression has been directly experienced by Georgia, and therefore strong support for Ukraine is crucial to prevent the risk of destabilisation in other regions, including the South Caucasus.
Prime Minister stressed that on the road to EU and NATO membership, it is not only the implementation of technical recommendations that is important, but also the country’s compliance with the Copenhagen criteria – the rule of law, human rights, media freedom, an active and empowered civil society, free and competitive elections, progress in the fight against corruption and de-oligarchisation.
The parties said that without helping Ukrainians to achieve victory and sustainable peace, Russia’s losses in Ukraine will not reduce its aggressiveness and threat to its neighbours.
Economic sanctions against Russia and its ally Belarus are effective and painful for the aggressor, but it is necessary to reduce the possibilities of circumventing sanctions and not to leave any grey areas, which is where countries like Georgia play a crucial role, Prime Minister stressed.
The leaders also discussed Russia’s hybrid threats and its attempts to divide both the unity of Western countries and the societies of separate countries, including Georgia.
In addition, the meeting discussed the opportunities for cooperation between Georgia and NATO in the run-up to the Alliance’s summit in Vilnius in July this year.
