The President underlined the need for the upcoming NATO Summit to take decisions that will further strengthen the security of NATO’s eastern flank and the Alliance as a whole, adding that enhanced allied presence in the region is a prerequisite for effective deterrence. Gitanas Nausėda highlighted the importance of investing in missile and air defense for the Baltic region and the eastern flank of the Alliance and stepping up defense spending. According to the President, Ukraine is part of the transatlantic security architecture, and the NATO Summit in Vilnius provides a historic opportunity to explore this perspective. Gitanas Nausėda thanked Spain for its contribution to the security of Lithuania and the Baltic region. To date, the Spanish Air Force has deployed nine rotations to the Baltic Air Policing mission.
“Lithuania and Spain are EU partners and NATO allies. I am delighted that our countries stand united in the defense of European values, in support of Ukraine and in the pursuit of peace on the continent. We are grateful to the Spanish Air Force for its continued presence in our region. We must continue working together to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank and the Alliance as a whole,” the President said.
The President and the Spanish Prime Minister also discussed support for Ukraine. Gitanas Nausėda pointed out that the speed and scope of allied assistance to Ukraine are decisive for resisting Russia’s aggression. He underscored the need to increase pressure on Russia by continuing the EU’s effective sanctions policy and making the Kremlin regime accountable for the crime of aggression. The President said that EU sanctions must also apply to Belarus, with no exceptions. He expressed hope that during Spain’s Presidency of the European Union, a decision will be taken to open accession negotiations with Ukraine if the European Commission’s recommendations are fully implemented.
On the priorities of the Spanish EU Presidency, the President and the Prime Minister agreed to place a stronger focus on enhancing the EU’s competitiveness and resilience in health care, energy, technology, and food security, on expanding relations with other countries and international associations, as well as on EU enlargement and illegal migration. “Today, it is crucial for the European Union to bolster its industry and internal market, position itself in global supply chains, increase energy independence, and invest in high value-added sectors,” the President said.
Gitanas Nausėda expressed his strong wish to expand and intensify bilateral economic relations, building on the achievements of both countries in renewable energy, information technologies, financial technologies, photonics, and biotechnologies.
“In recent years, Lithuania’s exports to Spain increased by 43 percent and the volume of bilateral trade grew by 24 percent. We must continue strengthening business contacts and promoting mutually beneficial projects,” the President said.
