Foreign Ministers of the Baltic states and France stressed solidarity when dealing with the challenges facing Europe today and noted that the world needed a strong EU that would be able to respond to global crises and conflicts, defend European values and fundamental interests, ensure safety and well-being of its people.
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development held a round-table discussion to assess the historical events leading to independence of the Baltic states, their national efforts to integrate into the Euro-Atlantic organizations. The Foreign Ministers also discussed bilateral cooperation with France, issues related to the strengthening of security and defence, as well as the future of the EU.
“Lithuania remembers with gratitude the French support for the process of ingraining of Lithuania’s independence, its contribution to supporting Lithuania’s institutions and capacity-building in the fields of economy, defence, law enforcement, public administration, culture and education. This cooperation was significant and important for reorganizing structures and forming western standards in Lithuania,” said Linkevičius.
In his speech, Lithuania’s Foreign Minister also stressed that Lithuania believed in the united Europe project. Lithuanian citizens strongly support the EU membership, action within the EU is one of the state’s key priorities, thanks to which a strong consensus of political parties exists in Lithuania.
The event was attended by many guests, which included diplomats, representatives of the Parliament and the Government, the scientific and academic community, businesses, culture and media. The guests could also see an exhibition of historical documents and photographs, which highlight the Baltic states’ first step towards independence 25 years ago.
