Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Sigitas Mitkus met with the new Ambassadors of France and Austria

On 11 September, the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Sigitas Mitkus met with the incoming French Ambassador to Lithuania Lucie Stepanyan . The meeting focused on key issues of Lithuanian-French cooperation in the areas of defense, economy, culture, science, and international development cooperation, with a view to further strengthening the strategic partnership. "It is especially important for us to cooperate closely in the field of defense and security. Lithuania is consistently investing in its defense, and at the same time we invite French defense companies to come to Lithuania - to invest and establish themselves here under attractive conditions," emphasized the Vice-Minister.

Sigitas Mitkus drew attention to Lithuania's participation in the European Union's research and innovation program "Horizon Europe," which provides opportunities to strengthen cooperation between Lithuanian and French scientific institutions and scientists through joint projects in the field of innovation. "We seek to cooperate in the areas of strengthening democracy, societal resilience to disinformation, and historical memory. We also seek to actively contribute to the EU's Global Gateway initiative and implement joint development cooperation projects with France," said the Vice-Minister.

When speaking about Ukraine, he emphasized the special relationship between Lithuania and Ukraine at all levels, from institutional to interpersonal contacts. "We must further increase our effort to help Ukraine and strive for a just and lasting peace. We thank France for its initiatives, including the Coalition of the Willing, in which Lithuania is actively participating," said the Vice-Minister.

Mitkus also met with the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to Lithuania, Dr. Johannes Aigner, who resides in Vienna.

During the meeting, they discussed topics such as bilateral cooperation, the security situation in the region, support for Ukraine, Lithuania's upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU, and prospects for cooperation in the fields of economy and science.

The Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasized the importance of continued support for Ukraine and invited Austria to join Lithuania in implementing joint projects to support Ukraine.

Mitkus emphasized that Lithuania considered Austria an important partner in seeking a common response to today's most pressing challenges and in shaping the European agenda. According to the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, we must strengthen cooperation, especially in innovative and high-tech sectors, both at the bilateral level and through participation in international projects. Mitkus drew attention to the good prospects for cooperation between the two countries in the European Horizon program. Diplomatic relations between Lithuania and Austria were established in 1924.

Austrian Ambassador Dr. Johannes Aigner and French Ambassador Lucie Stepanyan presented their credentials to the President of the Republic of Lithuania on 11 September 2025.