“We are sincerely glad that Ukraine’s choice is to seek European and Euro-Atlantic integration, as enshrined in the country’s constitution. Lithuania will always support you on the path to the European Union and NATO. Better than anyone, we know that there are difficult challenges ahead of you, and we are ready to share experience,” the President said.
In his speech, Gitanas Nausėda highlighted the long-standing history of Lithuanian-Ukrainian relations, built on shared heritage of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and common struggle against external threats. The President pointed out that together the two nations defended the values dear to the European civilization – respect for the rule of law, individual freedoms and democracy. The fellowship of Lithuania and Ukraine was embodied by common heroes: the victor of the Battle of Orsha, Konstanty Ostrogski, was laid to rest in Ukraine, and in Ostrog – Jan Karol Chodkiewicz, the hero of the battle of Khotyn.
The President reminded all that Ukraine supported Lithuania’s struggle for independence, while Lithuania stood together with Ukraine in Maidan.
He underlined that Crimea was Ukraine and that Lithuania supported Kiev’s initiative to establish an international platform for Crimea. Lithuania stands for peace in the Donbass region as well as the implementation of the Minsk agreements.
Gitanas Nausėda underscored the importance of Ukraine’s cooperation with NATO and the need to deliver military reforms.
He further said that it was necessary to implement key reforms, especially those related to the EU-Ukraine association agreement. According to the President, in order to restore public confidence in the judiciary, a comprehensive reform of the Ukrainian judicial system, transparent procedures for the selection and evaluation of judges, and accountability for corruption should be placed on top of the list of priorities.
The President also stressed the importance of security and defense, public administration reforms, the need for significant changes to strengthen the rule of law and fight against corruption.
Gitanas Nausėda placed special emphasis on energy security in the region. The President stated Lithuania's position on the non-purchase of electricity from the unsafe Ostrovets nuclear power plant and called on Ukraine to show solidarity and support the position of the Baltic States, thus contributing to increasing nuclear safety in the region.
At the Verkhovna Rada, the President met with Speaker Dmytro Razumkov. According to Gitanas Nausėda, the Rada plays an exceptional role in the pursuit of Ukraine's European and Euro-Atlantic integration, so the timely adoption of the necessary laws and effective progress in implementing strategic reforms are critically important.