The proven and meaningful format of the North-Baltic Eight (NB8) is more important than ever in the context of regional, European and international challenges, says Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas, who met with the ambassadors of these countries in Lithuania on Wednesday.

On 4 February, on the sidelines of the Kosciuszko Forum in Gdansk, Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys met with Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski. The Lithuanian and Polish ministers discussed bilateral cooperation, critical infrastructure protection, strengthening regional security and defence, and support for Ukraine, as well as the democratic forces of Belarus. They discussed the situation on the frontline and the need to increase support to Ukraine.

Last Wednesday, the Head of Government, Gintautas Paluckas, met Armin Papperger, Chairman of the Board and President of Rheinmetall, who is visiting Vilnius. The meeting focused on the need to ensure further smooth cooperation and momentum in the project of the artillery ammunition plant to be built in Lithuania.

On 27 January, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Kęstutis Budrys, met with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, in Brussels. K. Budrys and K. Kallas discussed EU-US relations, sanctions policy against Russia, and support for Ukraine.

President Metsola opened the 20-23 January session by welcoming the Gaza ceasefire, noting the importance of EU-US relations, and marking the anniversary of the death of David Sassoli.

The Board of the Seimas has approved the renewed List of Long-term Priorities for International Cooperation of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania.

Underlining the need to maintain consistency in Lithuania’s foreign and security policy direction and long-term priorities and the continuity of its actions, the Seimas passed a resolution on foreign and security policy.

On Monday afternoon, MEPs discussed the security situation in Europe and beyond as well as defence and EU-NATO cooperation with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys, who is on a visit to Estonia, said that Vilnius wants to normalise relations with Beijing. According to the politician, Lithuania would like China to reinstate its ambassador in Vilnius.