Italy is invited to further actively contribute to ensuring the implementation of security measures in our region.
The officials also discussed issues relating to the bilateral partnership, migration, security situation in eastern Ukraine and the Middle East.
As regards economic relations, both Foreign Ministers agreed that possibilities for economic cooperation were not yet fully exploited. Linkevičius mentioned that Lithuania hoped for an active participation of Italian representatives of business and science in the international forum Life Sciences Baltics 2016 in Lithuania.
As regards the issue of granting asylum and refugee status to individuals, Lithuania's Foreign Minister stressed the need to act together to tackle the migrant crisis and to help the countries most affected by it. According to the Foreign Minister, Lithuania is ready to work closely with Italian officials to start the transfer of migrants to Lithuania.
"Lithuania is aware of migration challenges. We are ready to undertake the responsibilities that arise from decisions made in the crisis situation," said Linkevičius.
When speaking about the situation in eastern Ukraine, the officials highlighted the necessity to support reforms, which were being implemented by the Government of Ukraine. The Foreign Ministers called for a full implementation of the Minsk agreements, including the reinstatement of control of the state border by Ukraine. According to Linkevičius, "in case of non-compliance with the Minsk agreements, the EU must act in solidarity applying sanctions against Russia".
Linkevičius is visiting Italy and the Vatican, as part of a delegation led by President of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaitė.
