Speaker of the Seimas: strong EU and NATO, sustainable transatlantic relations, adamant support for Ukraine, and parliamentary diplomacy are the key directions of Lithuania’s foreign policy

Press release, 27 November 2024 

Saulius Skvernelis, Speaker of the Seimas, has met with the Lithuania-based diplomatic representatives of the EU, NATO and OECD, which are the most important international organisations for our country. The Ambassadors of Ukraine and the Holy See to Lithuania also attended the meeting.

The Speaker of the Seimas presented his vision of foreign and security policy and international partnerships to the diplomatic corps. 

As regards priority policies, Mr Skvernelis highlighted the strong transatlantic link and the presence of Allied forces in Lithuania as well as the need for strengthening the EU’s and NATO’s response to hybrid and kinetic threats. He stressed the significance of comprehensive assistance to Ukraine until its victory and expressed his belief that only Ukraine should have the authority to set the terms for any peace agreement.

Among the main policies, the Speaker of the Seimas mentioned the goal of undermining aggressor states, primarily Russia, through a rigid sanctions policy, international isolation, and effective international accountability; use of Russia’s assets for the reconstruction of Ukraine; strengthening of NATO and the EU; maintaining close relations with the Baltic and Nordic countries, Poland, Germany, the US, France, and other Western partners; and consolidation of Lithuania’s economy by prioritizing partnerships with democracies, expanding business ties, and attracting foreign investment.

‘Let me assure you that a newly formed and democratically elected ruling coalition will be a credible partner. There is no place in Lithuania for anti-Semitism, xenophobia, national and religious discord, or incitement to hatred. I state this in the capacity of the Speaker of the Seimas, as well as a citizen of Lithuania and a father of two children,’ Mr Skvernelis said at the meeting.

The participants of the meeting also focused on the importance of inter-parliamentary cooperation for establishing partnerships aimed at strengthening the rule of law and transnational exchanges and for promoting the exchange of good practices in the interests of international peace and security.

Ieva Jovaišė, Head of the Secretariat of the Speaker of the Seimas, tel. +370 5 209 6004, e-mail: [email protected]