During the conversation with Jens Stoltenberg, the President said that the ongoing diplomatic efforts and talks with Russia in various formats to reduce tensions caused by Russia’s military build-up on the borders with Ukraine had not to undermine the core security principles of the transatlantic area. Gitanas Nausėda emphasized that we had to continue the Alliance’s adaptation processes, as they were a guarantor of a credible deterrent to threats in the Baltic region.
The President thanked NATO’s Secretary General for his leadership in strengthening the unity of the Alliance and defending the fundamental values of the Allies, including the right of states to choose their own foreign and security policy. Open Door policy has helped to stabilize Europe and has become the basis for the development of democracy and well-being, and must therefore be maintained.
“The indivisible security of Alliance members is one of NATO’s fundamental operating principles. The Alliance cannot have different security zones with different levels of security where capabilities and exercises necessary to ensure defense would be limited,” Gitanas Nausėda said.
The President stressed that a meaningful dialogue with Russia could only take place on the basis of reciprocity and not in the language of demands and ultimatums, which was unacceptable. Lithuania, like the Alliance as a whole, has always been and will continue to be interested in peaceful and predictable relations with all neighbors which respect international law and their commitments and which want to base their dialogue on respect and trust.
