Prime Minister: we will seek greater cooperation with Southern Europe

Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė has had a remote conversation with Ambassador of Spain José María Robles Fraga, and has discussed challenges posed by the pandemic as well as the development of bilateral relations.

‘Fighting the pandemic is at the top of the Government’s agenda. Vaccines, vaccination, and its speed are key priorities now,’ said the Prime Minister.

On foreign policy, it has been noted that the Government intends to devote more attention to cooperation with Southern European countries. Lithuania and Spain maintain very friendly relations.

It has also been stated that, despite the pandemic, bilateral economic cooperation is stable. It has also been agreed that cooperation could be further developed both in terms of economy and culture.

The Head of Government has thanked Spain for its contribution to strengthening the security of Lithuania and the entire region. Lithuania is interested in further deepening cooperation in the field of security and defence. The Spanish Air Force has already participated in NATO’s Baltic air-policing mission 7 times.

Prime Minister Šimonytė has also noted that Lithuania understands the challenges of the Southern Neighbourhood and, while supporting a more active role of the EU in the Southern Neighbourhood, calls on Spain to more actively support the Eastern Partnership initiative, which has to remain a priority on the EU’s agenda.