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Lithuania's Foreign Minister Landsbergis: "Germany's decision to permanently deploy a brigade in Lithuania is a true example of Zeitenwende"

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

2023.10.05

On 5 October, Lithuania's Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabrielius Landsbergis met with the Prime Minister of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia Hendrik Wüst, to discuss the importance of security issues in Central and Eastern Europe and the role of Lithuania and Germany in supporting Ukraine's fight against Russian aggression.

The meeting focused on regional security and defence, support to Ukraine and cooperation with the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The Foreign Minister thanked Lithuania's strategic partner, Germany, for its strong partnership in fostering the rules-based international order and for Germany's historical decision to deploy a German brigade in Lithuania for its permanent presence.

"We live in a historical moment when a new Berlin Wall is being built. It is up to us only where the wall will be erected. We must spare no effort to keep Ukraine with its 1991 borders on this side. Efforts to strengthen the eastern flank depend on our will to defend ourselves - Germany's decision to permanently deploy a brigade in Lithuania is a true example of Zeitenwende," Landsbergis said.

The head of Lithuania's diplomacy stressed that our country would seek to create the best conditions for German soldiers and their families.

"In many areas - security and foreign policy, economics, science and innovation - Germany is the most significant partner of Lithuania. In addition, the deployment of a German brigade in Lithuania will not only change the security situation in the region but will bring about completely new dynamics in relations between our countries," Lithuania's Foreign Minister said.

The Foreign Minister noted that Germany's support for Ukraine was highly appreciated. As the war continues, our primary goal and duty remains to stand by Ukraine until its victory. According to Landsbergis, it is necessary to speed up the delivery of military assistance to Ukraine (especially long-range missiles).

The Foreign Minister also highlighted that German business investments from North Rhine-Westphalia in Lithuania showed that Lithuania was a safe and attractive place to invest and was waiting for investments from companies of North Rhine-Westphalia. Lithuania is interested in cooperating with the state of North Rhine-Westphalia in the fields of military industry, green hydrogen, biotechnology and innovative engineering industries. The Prime Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia took an interest in the prospects of cooperation with our country in renewable energy.

Hendrik Wüst has served as the Prime Minister of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia since 27 October 2021. It was his first visit to Lithuania.