G. Nausėda to Lithuanian diplomats: Ukraine must remain a priority of Lithuanian foreign policy

He said this after meeting with the heads of Lithuanian diplomatic missions on Monday.

As announced by the Presidency, G. Nausėda emphasized that new conflicts breaking out in various parts of the world divert the attention of the international community from Russia’s war in Ukraine and, in general, from Russia’s aggressive intentions in the field of foreign policy.

“Ukraine was, is and will be of existential importance for us. And all efforts of the diplomatic service must be focused on this priority. War fatigue cannot be tolerated no matter what. We must continue to consistently mobilize comprehensive international support for Ukraine, raise the issues of Russia’s responsibility for aggression and war crimes, as well as keep Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic perspective on the international agenda,” the president said.

At the annual meeting of the head of the country and the heads of diplomatic missions, missions to international organizations and consular offices, the topical issues of foreign policy, the geopolitical and security situation in the region and the world, the goals and priorities of Lithuania’s foreign policy were discussed.

Addressing the diplomats, G. Nausėda said that the international situation is rapidly deteriorating, the world is increasingly gripped by instability, and international law and diplomacy are increasingly being dared to be changed by brute force.

According to him, recently there has been an increase in foci of aggression and military conflicts, and the factor of surprise is beginning to dominate international processes. The head of the country emphasized that these trends promise even greater challenges for Lithuania and its diplomatic position in the world, so the diplomatic service must be ready to act in these conditions of geopolitical uncertainty.

As indicated by the Presidency, in his speech to Lithuanian diplomats, G. Nausėda emphasized the importance of fostering transatlantic relations and effective functioning of NATO and the EU, the necessity of working together with allies and partners to defend the values ​​of democracy and the rules-based international order.

The head of the country thanked the heads of the Lithuanian missions who contributed to the successful organization of the NATO summit in Vilnius and said that it is now necessary to focus on the implementation of the important decisions made in Vilnius and seriously prepare for the NATO summit in Washington.

The President also emphasized that today, more than ever, it is necessary for the diplomatic service to act in a concentrated, wise and skillful way.

As the military conflict between Israel and Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, continues for a month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy admitted over the weekend that the war in the Middle East is diverting the international community’s attention from the war in Ukraine, which he says is good for Russia.

“Existential interest of Lithuania”

Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė also met the diplomats later on Monday.

She emphasized that autocratic regimes, cooperating with each other, are increasingly expanding foci of instability in the world, as a result of which democratic states experience many challenges.

“Strengthening the resilience of democracies, strengthening the world order based on values ​​and rules, bringing together the unity of democratic countries is the existential interest of Lithuania,” said the prime minister.

The meeting focused on strengthening the unity of the European Union, the transatlantic connection and the partnership with the Indo-Pacific countries.

They also talked about the implementation of the decisions of the NATO Summit in Vilnius, including the new generation of NATO regional defense plans, essential works in order to receive a brigade of German soldiers.

I. Šimonytė identified the increase of military, economic, energy, humanitarian and aid to Ukraine as one of the most important tasks, as well as gathering support for this country in order to integrate into the EU and NATO.

Among other things, the need to strengthen the sanctions applied to the aggressors Russia and Belarus, and to prevent their circumvention, was discussed with the diplomats.

“It is very important for Ukrainians to see their partners “on the ground” implementing visible, tangible projects together. Therefore, we must urge other countries to act not only through international organizations, but also bilaterally or together with us,” said the Prime Minister.

I. Šimonytė also emphasized the importance of economic diplomacy and strengthening ties with the diaspora, invited the heads of Lithuanian diplomatic missions to contribute to the implementation of the “returning Lithuania” idea and urged them to actively spread information about the 2024. the upcoming referendum on the preservation of Lithuanian citizenship.