The President noted that the EU-UN partnership in defending the principles of democracy and human rights as well as ensuring effective multilateralism was critically important. He underlined that the rapidly deteriorating human rights situation in Belarus was a matter of great concern and called on the UN Secretary-General to focus even greater attention to identifying human rights violations and releasing political prisoners in this country. “Lithuania, as a candidate for the Human Rights Council 2022-2024, places particular emphasis on defending universal human rights and strengthening the role of the United Nations,” the President said.
European leaders also discussed the issues of managing the pandemic.
“The pandemic has mobilized EU member states and institutions for common solutions such as the COVID digital certificate, joint procurement of vaccines, and combating economic and social consequences. On the other hand, the process of containing the pandemic in the European Union has provided a number of lessons that we need to learn. Unity and agreement are essential for the Community to take decisions quickly, efficiently and without delay. It is important to ensure a proper functioning of the EU internal market and the Schengen area,” the President said.
According to the Gitanas Nausėda, EU citizens have very high expectations about the easing of pandemic restrictions, therefore it is necessary for all member states to coordinate their actions.
