Landsbergis stressed that Lithuania and the Czech Republic were close partners and like-minded on many items on the international agenda and that the Czech supportive voice was now crucial in the EU’s discussions on comprehensive support for Ukraine, security policy, and ahead of the NATO Washington Summit.
“We meet in times of great geopolitical tension, so discussing what else we can do together is crucial. As the world’s attention shifts towards processes in the Middle East, we have an even greater responsibility to mobilise and strengthen support for Ukraine. If we do not stop Russia in Ukraine, the devastating consequences will affect our entire region,” Landsbergis said.
According to the Foreign Minister, it is essential to continue providing comprehensive – military, economic and financial – aid to Ukraine, including support to tackle the needs of the country’s reconstruction. In addition, we must create a mechanism of justice to prosecute those responsible for launching the war against Ukraine.
The Foreign Ministers also discussed the European Commission’s recommendation of 8 November to open EU accession talks with Moldova and Ukraine.
“The Commission’s recommendation to open accession negotiations with Moldova and Ukraine is an important step towards joining the European family. We must seize this historic opportunity to bring Ukraine and Moldova closer to the European Union irreversibly. We look forward to an intergovernmental conference as soon as possible. We also discussed further steps to be taken for this purpose at the Washington Summit next summer,” the head of Lithuania’s diplomacy said.
Landsbergis welcomed the vibrant bilateral relations in various fields and underlined that Lithuania greatly appreciated the Czech contribution to the security of the Baltic region, the strengthening of economic cooperation, and cultural and academic relations.
Landsbergis also thanked the Czech Republic for its significant support for the democratic forces of Belarus, for its work in support of democracy, the rule of law, and the defence of human rights and freedoms in various regions of the world.
“I am pleased that Vilnius and Prague are united by a mission to offer a haven for democracy defenders,” Landsbergis said.
The Foreign Ministers discussed opportunities for cooperation in Ukraine’s reconstruction projects and in implementing their recently adopted national strategies for collaboration with the Indo-Pacific region, demonstrating a common understanding by Lithuania and the Czech Republic of the region's significance.
The Czech Foreign Minister came to Lithuania at the invitation Landsbergis to participate in the Future of Democracy Forum in Vilnius on 9 and 10 November.
Since 2018, the Czech troops have participated in NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group in Lithuania. The Czech Air Force fighter jets have carried out the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic States four times.
