Baltic States – CIS, EU – Baltic States, Investments, Legislation, Lithuania

"Emerging challenges include, among other things, the changing security situation in Europe, issues related to energy and information security, finding new markets and expedite assistance for our citizens abroad. Therefore, the diplomatic service must stay focused, active and effective, facing these challenges all at once," said Lithuania's foreign minister.

"We must stay focused, continue to strengthen our freedom and help defend our neighbours' freedoms. The situation in Ukraine shows that freedom and democracy are not given, they must be taken. Therefore, we must continue to fully support the people of Ukraine and help other EU eastern neighbours on their path towards European integration," said Linkevicius.

According to the minister, Lithuania wishes a strong and democratic Russia, but cannot remain indifferent to Russia's logics and aggressive policies, attempts to thrust a division into spheres of influence upon it.

"The EU and NATO member countries responded to the new threats in Europe in solidarity. Our solidarity has demonstrated that we are strong when we stand together with the United States of America. There is no easy way to maintain solidarity, but we will continue to pursue our goal with intensive urgency and zeal. We understand solidarity is not just a joint response to Kremlin policies undermining international law, but also a joint EU response to refugee crisis," said the minister.

Economic diplomacy, expanding into new markets and attracting foreign investment are among our vital foreign policy interests. "We will continue to pursue our objectives with the help of our business community and business partners. Lithuania's OECD membership will open up new opportunities for the Lithuanian economy, enhance the country's competitiveness and will definitely contribute to our success," said the head of diplomacy.

"We must continue to seek to exploit the huge potential of Lithuanians who live abroad and to foster ties with them. Just like on our path towards independence, today Lithuanian communities have to help us represent Lithuanian interests abroad, not limiting their activities to culture and education. The leadership of diplomatic missions is required to accomplish these ends. Our duty is to become a good partner and associate," said Linkevicius.

"We have a good chance today to examine and test the most effective ways to protect the interests of our citizens abroad, help businesses, contribute to increasing Lithuania's security and promote the country overseas. The changing international environment and emerging challenges force the Lithuanian diplomatic service to be always ready to react quickly and act expediently," said the minister.

Today, the ambassadors met with President of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaite, Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevicius, members of the Government, Director General of the State Security Department Darius Jauniskis.