Laima Andrikienė: ‘Lithuania and its Government enjoyed overwhelming support and solidarity from global democracies in 2021’
Press release, 19 April 2022
When assessing the Government’s activity report for 2021 and the major foreign policy activities planned for 2022, Laima Andrikienė, Chair of the Seimas Committee on Foreign Affairs, noted that 2021 was, in general, an exceptional year, which could not be compared to any other year in the history of the restored Lithuania. Therefore, when making an assessment of the Government’s work, consideration has to be given to the context of that year, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and the related restrictions in force not only in Lithuania but also worldwide.
The Chair of the Committee said that she gave a highly positive ‘assessment of the value-based foreign policy pursued by the Lithuanian Government, emphasising respect for democracy and protection of human rights and freedoms. It was precisely this foreign policy of our Government that was welcomed not only by the EU member states as Lithuania was actively supported by the United States, the United Kingdom, and other democracies in the world. The most outstanding example of this support could be seen when we sought the recognition at the EU level of the irregular migration flows organised by Mr Lukashenko as a hybrid attack, when we received political support and institutional and financial assistance from the EU to deal with the attack, and when the EU imposed a new package of sanctions against the Lukashenko regime in response to the hybrid attack against Lithuania and its immediate neighbours.’
‘I welcome the ambitious reform of the diplomatic service carried out by Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė and Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabrielius Landsbergis as well as the steps to strengthen economic diplomacy. I am referring to the enhancement of Lithuania’s foreign policy towards South-East Asia and diversification of export markets; the long awaited opening of the Lithuanian Embassy in South Korea; the decision to have an embassy in Singapore, which has already been opened, as well as the establishment of economic and trade relations with Taiwan, which will undoubtedly bring mutual benefits, particularly in terms of investment into the development of high-tech in our country and creation of new jobs,’ Laima Andrikienė said.
The Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs also emphasised that the Eastern Partnership policy, assistance to Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia was also among the Government’s foreign policy priorities in 2021. Ukraine and political, economic, humanitarian, and military assistance to this country will remain one of Lithuania’s top priorities in 2022.
When referring to other foreign policy priorities of the Government, Laima Andrikienė observed, first and foremost, the importance of strategic diversification and the need for decisions on the extension of the Lithuanian diplomatic representation network, with a greater focus on East Asia. She also expressed her support for a stronger focus on development cooperation and strategic review of the development cooperation policy and its implementation framework.
‘I cannot resist to mention yet another important aspect of foreign policy, which is the promotion of more active involvement of the diaspora in our efforts to strengthen our state. First of all, we must give more attention and support to the foreign states that host large Lithuanian communities,’ Laima Andrikienė said.
Aldona Drėgvaitė, e-mail: [email protected]
Nerijus Vėta