In the meeting with the President of Israel, Linkevičius highlighted the intensive bilateral political cooperation. “This year marks the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Lithuania and Israel. On this occasion, there are many events, initiatives and visits related to Israel in Lithuania. We appreciate the friendship of our countries and seek to bring them even closer together,” said Linkevičius.
The meeting with Netanyahu focused on positive developments in various areas of bilateral economic cooperation: the growth in the volume of trade, the increase in the number of tourists, and successful cooperation in the fields of science and innovation. Linkevičius and Netanyahu also exchanged views on various threats facing the regions of both countries, and agreed to promote bilateral cooperation in the fields of energy, defence and cyber-security. “Lithuania enjoys a special relationship with Israel. We always emphasize this and Israel’s always reassures us that it exceeds traditional policy,” said Linkevičius.
Lithuania’s Foreign Minister invited Netanyahu to come to Lithuania, his ancestral land, and the Prime Minister accepted the invitation.
Linkevičius gave a small copy of the Holocaust memorial in Šeduva by the Lithuanian sculptor Romas Kvintas as a gift to the Prime Minister of the State of Israel. Netanyahu’s great-grandmother came from Šeduva. The interlocutors also discussed the ongoing EuroBasket tournament in Israel and impressive victories won by the Lithuanian team.
The Lithuanian Foreign Minister’s visit will also include meetings with the Speaker of the Knesset Yuli-Yoel Edelstein, members of the Israel-Lithuania Parliamentary Friendship Group, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Tzipi Hotovely, the Deputy Prime Minister and current member of the Knesset Michael Oren.
