Speaker of the Seimas in Paris: ‘We look forward to the French leadership’

Press release, 12 December 2022 

In Paris, Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, Speaker of the Seimas, met with Yaël Braun-Pivet, Speaker of the National Assembly of the French Republic, and stressed that she appreciated every effort to build the strategic partnership between France and Lithuania, which was launched back in 2009 and could largely benefit from parliamentary cooperation. She also underlined that it was particularly important that France took the lead in addressing regional problems.

Photo by Olga Posaškova, Office of the Seimas

‘At the meeting, we discussed the joint efforts towards a free and democratic Europe, a continent going through critical times, when many of the principles staunchly advocated by France are under attack, including European values, freedom and democracy. We look forward to France’s leadership in providing further assistance to Ukraine, strengthening the security of the Baltic States, and helping Ukraine to integrate into the European Union and NATO,’ Ms Čmilytė-Nielsen said.

European energy security was also in focus at the meeting of the Speakers of Parliaments.

‘I told the Speaker of the French Parliament that it was more important than ever to show solidarity with Ukraine and to continue providing support in view of the difficulties stemming from the onset of winter and destruction wrought on Ukraine’s infrastructure by Russia. Concurrently, European solidarity is also needed in addressing European energy challenges and primarily in putting a definite end to energy dependence on Russia,’ Ms Čmilytė-Nielsen said.

According to the Speaker of the Seimas, one of the areas of strategic partnerships is cultural cooperation. Therefore, the meeting also covered Lithuania’s cultural season scheduled in France for the autumn of 2024. In this regard, the Speaker of the Seimas asked for France’s support for the implementation of the programme of the associated events.

The programme of the Speaker’s visit to France also includes meetings with Gerard Larcher, President of the French Senate, and influential chairs of committees of the two chambers of the French Parliament, as well as participation in an event at the Lithuanian Embassy in Paris dedicated to the centenary of the diplomatic relations between France and Lithuania. On Tuesday, Ms Čmilytė-Nielsen will speak at a conference in support of Ukraine, an event to be attended by Emmanuel Macron, President of France; Denis Schmyhal, Prime Minister of Ukraine, and other senior officials.

Ilona Petrovė, Spokesperson for Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, Speaker of the Seimas, tel.+ 370  5 239 6030, mob. + 370 698 42071, e-mail: [email protected], www.lrs.lt