Landsbergis thanked his Iraqi colleagues for Iraq's active involvement in addressing the issue of the return of irregular migrants from Lithuania to Iraq, as well as for regular missions of Iraqi consuls to Lithuania to identify Iraqi citizens. The interlocutors discussed measures to address migration issues that have proved to be effective, the process of integrating Iraqi voluntary returnees in Iraq, as well as possibilities for bilateral cooperation.
“Iraq’s determination to help Lithuania and the adopted measures allow us to speak about a successful model that can be applied at the level of the entire EU to deal with similar crises. However, we see even more potential for the EU and Iraq's rapprochement, political dialogue, opening up in the areas of mutual benefit, including education, trade, and the exchange of experience," said Landsbergis.
Lithuania's Foreign Minister also pointed out that only thanks to the efforts of both countries it was possible to curb irregular migration flows. But, as spring is approaching, the problems can arise again. Thus, it is important to remain vigilant, to carry out an information campaign and to warn Iraqis not to fall into the trap set by the Belarusian regime.
As regards the further development of Lithuania’s relations with Iraq, Landsbergis expressed hope that the newly formed Government would continue its work and that both countries would implement specific bilateral projects in the fields of border protection, population registration, education and health care. Lithuania's Foreign Minister also assured that Lithuania would continue to respect its commitments, support the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh/ISIS and NATO’s decisions to consolidate stability in Iraq.
On 17 January, Lithuania's Foreign Minister will meet with Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and Safeen Muhsin Dizayee, Minister of Foreign Relations of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
