On 17 November, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys met with Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The meeting discussed the priorities of Lithuania's cooperation within the OECD, continuity of support for Ukraine, strengthening of regional and global resilience, demographic challenges and migration management.

The Minister thanked the Secretary-General for his principled position on Russian aggression against Ukraine and stressed that consistent, ongoing support for Ukraine's reform process should remain among the priorities of the organisation. The head of Lithuania's diplomacy also highlighted the importance of the OECD's Ukraine Country Programme and of the activities of the OECD office in Kyiv in coordinating support to Ukraine and the need for adequate funding for the programme.

"We must help Ukraine. The OECD Ukraine Country Programme contributes to ensuring high standards for implemented reforms and to accelerating Ukraine's EU integration and membership. Ukraine is today not only a beneficiary, but also a source of valuable experience, especially in the fight against disinformation and in building resilience," said Budrys.

The meeting also addressed Lithuania's priority areas: demographic challenges, reducing labour shortages, migrant integration, and economic and information resilience. The OECD is an important partner in helping Lithuania address long-term economic and social challenges, while strengthening the resilience of the region as a whole. The Minister confirmed hisLithuania's commitment to continue to actively contribute to OECD initiatives that strengthen the security and democratic development of our region.

Budrys also stressed the need to strengthen the global role of the OECD in upholding standards and spreading common values, especially across the Eastern Partnership countries, the Central Asian and Indo-Pacific regions. It was emphasised that Lithuania shares its membership experience with OECD accession countries and is ready to continue doing so in the future if needed.