Viktoras Pranckietis,Speaker of the Seimas: relations with Russia will remain unchanged, if it continues its aggression in Ukraine

Press release,  29 August 2017

Photo of the Office of the Seimas (author Olga Posaškova) 

Viktoras Pranckietis, Speaker of the Seimas, met with members of the United States Congress representing the ruling Republican Party: John Shimkus, Doug Lamborn, Andy Barr and Earl “Buddy” Carter. The meeting focussed on security of the Baltic States and the role of the international community in dealing with essential issues involving Russia.

“Dialogue alone represents no policy if Russia does not alter its behaviour. All the sanctions against Russia must be maintained until it completely stops its aggression against Ukraine. The unity of the international community is key here,” said the parliamentary leader.

The meeting also discussed the security challenges in the Baltic region.

“The yesterday’s statement by Donald Trump that the US is very protective of this region shows the strategic importance of transatlantic relations and solidarity of our countries,” said Mr Pranckietis.

The participants of the meeting discussed not only the US leadership in the region, but also Lithuania’s possible contribution to democratic development. Lithuania has gone through the same historical experience as Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine. However, it has already become a part of the Western world and can now help to disseminate the ideas of democracy in Eastern Europe through its experience and knowledge of the region.

The Speaker of the Seimas noted that the assistance of the US Congress is of particular importance to Ukraine both in defending its statehood and in ensuring development of democracy.

As regards the energy security, Viktoras Pranckietis pointed out that Klaipėda’s Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal contributes considerably to energy security of the Baltic States. The Speaker welcomed the first shipment of LNG that arrived in Klaipėda on 21 August from the US. This is one of the first shipments of the US to the European Union.

The Speaker noted that the strategic partnership and business cooperation between Lithuania and the US contribute to higher competitiveness and resilience of European economies.

Dalia Vencevičienė, Senior Adviser to the Speaker of the Seimas, tel. +370 5 239 6016,

mob. +370  698 42 071, e-mail: [email protected]