Lithuania strives for Transatlantic Solidarity in Security Issues
On 7-8 December during NATO Foreign Ministers meeting in Brussels Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Antanas Valionis emphasised the importance of transatlantic solidarity.
In the NATO Foreign Ministers meeting NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer thanked for Lithuania’s decision to lead Provincial Reconstruction Team in Afghanistan. The participants of the meeting discussed preparations for future NATO summits, political aspects of NATO missions and operations. “
If we want the Alliance to solve successfully today’s security problems, we should strive for transatlantic solidarity,” Foreign Minister Valionis stressed in his speech.
Welcoming the European Commission’s decision to contribute to the restoration of Afghanistan, Lithuanian Foreign Minister stated that the EU could provide assistance in health, public administration and legal reforms sphere.
“Lithuania’s experience of difficulties we are facing in Ghor province shows that broad international cooperation is necessary for successful mission in Afghanistan,” the Head of Lithuanian diplomacy said.
Talking about NATO cooperation with Russia, Lithuanian Foreign Minister stated that cooperation with Russia is necessary, but only with democratic Russia.
