“We are grateful to our allies for their solidarity and contribution to the security of Lithuania and the region. However, the security situation requires extra deterrence measures. In addition, we must further strengthen our collective defence. Thus, we seek an agreement on additional security guarantees on the eastern flank,” said Landsbergis.
The participants of the meeting discussed the amassing of troops along the Ukrainian borders by Russia and the Belarusian hybrid operation on the borders of Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, NATO’s possible response, the need to take additional deterrence and defence measures for NATO’s eastern flank, unanimously expressed their solidarity with the countries under the Belarusian regime's hybrid attack, as well as pledged to continue exerting pressure on Minsk. Lessons learned from NATO's presence in Afghanistan for future crisis management operations and the Alliance's role in ensuring stability in the Western Balkans region were also discussed.
In a meeting with representatives of NATO candidate countries — Georgia and Ukraine, the countries presented their assessments regarding Russia's troops near Ukraine and in the entire Black Sea region. The NATO Foreign Ministers voiced their solidarity and support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia and Ukraine, while Landsbergis called for strengthening support for NATO's partners that were experiencing pressure from Russia.
“Georgia and Ukraine are NATO’s closest partners that participate in the Alliance’s operations and exercises, as well as contribute significantly to our common security. Western countries should ensure that the costs of possible aggression against Ukraine deter Russia. There is also a need to further help strengthen capacities of Georgia and Ukraine to defend themselves," said Landsbergis.
The Foreign Ministers also discussed NATO’s new Strategic Concept, the key threats and the Alliance's long-term adaptation to the guidelines of the changing strategic environment.
In addition, Landsbergis held meetings with the Secretary of State of the United States of America Anthony Blinken, Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom Liz Truss, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Jean-Yves Le Drian, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway Anniken Huitfeldt, and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland Þórdís Kolbrún R. Gylfadóttir to discuss bilateral cooperation and security policy issues.
