"It is not a symbolic function. Lithuania has been entrusted with a highly significant role therefore we will actively contribute to strengthening NATO-Ukraine relationship. I am convinced that independent, sovereign and stable Ukraine is an integral part of security in the Euro-Atlantic area" Linkevičius said.
The Minister highlighted that reinforcement of the Euro-Atlantic values such as freedom, democracy, indivisible security and cooperation in Ukraine becomes even more important as Ukraine faces external aggression.
The event was opened by Gvidas Kerušauskas, Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in Ukraine, and his counterpart Dariusz Górczyński, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Ukraine. The Polish diplomat passed a symbolic flag of NATO to Mr. Kerušauskas.
Pavlo Klimkin, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, congratulated Lithuania on this occasion and noted that Ukraine and NATO are tied together. NATO and Ukraine are united by the common values. Ukraine has also made a decision regarding Euro Atlantic integration. Thus, it is important to cooperate with NATO as closely as possible, and to adopt NATO standards in strengthening country's security and defence system.
The event was attended by over 100 participants including members of the Verkhovna Rada, ambassadors of NATO member countries and partner states, representatives of the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Defence, heads of the Ukrainian NGOs.
