Budrys met with the German Federal Foreign Minister: We have a solid defence agenda

On 5 January in Vilnius, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys met with the Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany, Johann Wadephul, who arrived in Lithuania for his first visit.

On 5 January in Vilnius, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys met with the Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany, Johann Wadephul, who arrived in Lithuania for his first visit.

Lithuanian and German Foreign Ministers discussed the bilateral strategic partnership and its new opportunities, as well as cooperation within the European Union and NATO, security and defense issues, support for Ukraine, and international efforts to achieve a sustainable and just peace.

"We have not only a solid security and defence agenda, but also intensive economic relations, cooperation in the fields of science, culture, and other. That is why today in Vilnius I am very pleased to welcome a good friend of Lithuania and a really reliable partner," said Budrys.

The Minister thanked Germany for its leadership and political will to permanently station the German 45th Armored Brigade in Lithuania. According to Budrys, Lithuania is making every effort to ensure that German soldiers and their family members can enjoy the best possible conditions for service, living, and training. The planned works and commitments are progressing well and according to the plan: the necessary infrastructure projects are being implemented, the construction of a military campus is underway, and Lithuania will be ready to host German soldiers and their family members by 2027 as planned.

The Ministers discussed international efforts to achieve a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine, what Europe's contribution to the peace process might look like, and support for Ukraine. The head of Lithuania's diplomacy stressed that the main obstacle to peace is Russia's unwillingness to achieve it. According to the Minister, it is necessary to continue the pressure on Russia and reduce the ability of its war machine to generate financial means, it is also imperative to continue the sanctions, including by adoption of the 20th sanctions package. According to the Minister, Germany plays a very important role in mobilising international support for Ukraine.

"We need to continue to support Ukraine and talk about its EU membership. This is already foreseen as part of the future European security commitment and guarantees for Ukraine. We need to work consistently on this. This is a tremendous effort on the Ukrainian side. A significant amoubt of work weighs on the EU to be prepared for that," said Budrys.

The meeting also discussed the attraction of new investments in the field of the defence industry. The construction of the Rheinmetall ammunition factory in Lithuania was mentioned as a successful example of such cooperation. The Ministers discussed cooperation with Germany's federal states, the upcoming German cultural season, and strengthening people-to-people contacts.