“We live in a period of major geopolitical changes. Thus, there is no better time to establish new partnerships and to deepen the existing ones among the like-minded states that share the same values. Geography can dramatically impact the way we think – both Japan and Lithuania know full well what it is like to live alongside neighbors, which engage in aggressive policies,” Landsbergis said.
During the meetings, the Foreign Minister and his Japanese counterparts discussed possibilities of a strategic partnership between Lithuania and Japan, Russia's war in Ukraine and its impact on the security situation in Europe and Asia, international energy and food markets, challenges facing the Far East and Oceania regions, possible solutions and opportunities for cooperation to reconstruct Ukraine, as well as to implement the vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
“Russia's war against Ukraine and the reaction of a civilised world are closely watched and assessed by other malicious countries. If the aggressor does not receive a very strict response, it is only a matter of time when other countries will copy Russian tactics. Today, the victim is Ukraine. Tomorrow, it may be Taiwan. And Japan understands this very clearly," Landsbergis said.
Lithuania's Foreign Minister also dedicated a lot of attention to the global food crisis caused by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Landsbergis asked the Japanese representatives to raise the issue pertaining to the unblocking of Odessa at the G7 meetings to help find quick and effective ways to get Ukrainian grain back to global market.
Landsbergis also thanked Japan for its firm stance on Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and stressed the need to maintain the toughest sanctions in order to starve Russia's war machine. In addition, the Foreign Minister suggested that Japan should consider joint projects to reconstruct Ukraine, building on the good practices of cooperation between Lithuania and Japan in Afghanistan.
The Foreign Minister also welcomed Japan’s leadership in ensuring the rule of law, free trade and shipping in the Indo-Pacific region and highlighted Lithuania’s interest in working together in this region. When emphasizing the longstanding friendship between Lithuania and Japan, and successful bilateral cooperation, Landsbergis urged Japan to apply this experience to multilateral initiatives in Southeast Asian countries.
“This year marks the 100th anniversary of relations between Lithuania and Japan. We are glad about our multiple achievements in various areas, but let us not stop there. Let us continue to actively deepen our bilateral relations and take our strategic partnership to a new level. There is an enormous untapped potential in the cooperation between Lithuania and Japan, especially in the fields of transport, energy, research and high-tech," Lithuania's Foreign Minister said.
