Budrys discussed regional security and response to hybrid threats with the Estonian Foreign MinisterActivities of the Minister of Foreign AffairsBilateral RelationsNews of the[...]

On 15 January, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia Margus Tsahkna in Vilnius.

The Ministers discussed security strengthening, the Nordic-Baltic cooperation, and other issues relevant to the region, transatlantic ties, support for Ukraine, sanctions, and Lithuania's preparation to hold the Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2027.

The meeting emphasized that the firm interaction between the Baltic states and the Nordic countries is key foreign policy priority for Lithuania and Estonia.

"The interaction between the Nordic and Baltic Eight countries is a success story for regional cooperation in addressing pressing issues and security threats. Many of us are NATO frontline states, so joint effort, continued coordination, and a unified position are important factors in mobilising support for Ukraine, maintaining pressure on Russia, weakening its economic potential, and strengthening the security of the entire region," said Budrys.

The Ministers also discussed the maintenance of EU sanctions against the Belarusian regime and responses to hybrid threats to states in the region.

According to the head of Lithuania's diplomacy, Lukashenka's regime is an accomplice to Russia in its aggression against Ukraine and poses a hybrid threat to neighbouring states through its instrumentalised criminal activities. Therefore, according to the Minister, it is necessary to prolong strict and wide-ranging sanctions against Belarus, both individual and sectoral.

The meeting also addressed Lithuania's initiative to build a memorial in Brussels to commemorate the victims of totalitarian regimes. It is expected to be inaugurated during Lithuania's Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of next year.

During his visit to Vilnius, the Estonian Foreign Minister will also attend the 19th traditional Snow Meeting, during which high-level Lithuanian and international experts will discuss foreign and security policy topics.