“The French support was particularly important for Lithuania for ingraining its independence and moving on a path towards the Euro-Atlantic integration. During the 25 years of independence, our cooperation has expanded and strengthened. The updated strategic partnership plan for the period 2016-2019 that was approved today offers the best proof of a close bilateral partnership. This will contribute to our continued and deepened cooperation on the EU, security and defence, internal affairs and law enforcement, economy, energy, culture, education and other issues,” said Linkevičius.
France was thanked for its contribution to the region’s security. Fighters of the French Air have participated in NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission in Šiauliai for the sixth time. They also plan to participate in NATO’s spearhead force in the Baltic States as of 2018.
The Presidents of the two countries signed a political declaration, which established the strategic partnership between Lithuania and France on 4 September 2009. In 2011, the Foreign Ministers signed the strategic partnership action plan. France is the 12th largest trading partner of Lithuania and the 14th largest investor in the country.
