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The President to foreign ambassadors: We need to strengthen EU-NATO cooperation and the transatlantic link

President of the Republic of Lithuania

February 15, 2024

President Gitanas Nausėda met with foreign ambassadors accredited to Lithuania on the eve of the Day of the Restoration of the State of Lithuania.

In his address at the annual meeting with the foreign diplomatic corps, the Head of State stressed that Russia remains the most significant and direct threat to Euro-Atlantic security. According to President Gitanas Nausėda, it is clear that Russia's pattern of behavior will not change, which is why we need to strengthen our security and defense capabilities, as well as to provide comprehensive assistance to Ukraine, first and foremost military assistance.

Gitanas Nausėda stressed that the international community's concerted and united efforts to stop Russia's war in Ukraine and to ensure that military aggression does not repeat in the future are crucial.

"Nevertheless, empathy and moral support alone are not enough to win this war. Clear strategy and commitment to Ukraine's victory are needed throughout the international community. To help others, we need to make sure our own security is robust, and our deterrence and defense credible. We must ensure that NATO remains the strongest alliance," the Head of State spoke.

The President thanked Germany and the United States of America for their firm commitment to the security of Lithuania and the region, as well as other NATO allies for their military presence in our country and for productive defense cooperation.

The Lithuanian leader stressed that a strong transatlantic bond is an irreplaceable pillar of Europe's security and that there is no alternative to it. According to President Gitanas Nausėda, Europe must do more and become stronger in all its dimensions, especially in security and defense, but Europe cannot be separated from the transatlantic link with the United States.

"Unknowns and uncertainties of political cycles in Europe and across the Atlantic should not become an obstacle to developing our irreplaceable bonds. We must further build a trusted partnership with the U.S. We need to boost the EU-NATO cooperation. We simply have no other alternatives," the President pointed out.

The President highlighted the most important aspects of this year's EU agenda: the launch of EU membership negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, the provision of long-term financial support to Ukraine, and the continuation of the sanctions policy against Russia. Gitanas Nausėda stressed that as an open economy, Lithuania is focusing on strengthening the EU single market, investing in innovations, and building new international partnerships.

The Head of State underscored that Lithuania proudly holds the Presidency of the Three Seas Initiative (3SI)—a vibrant regional cooperation format of like-minded countries between the Baltic, Black and Adriatic Seas.

"The 3SI is part of wider European and global efforts of democratic countries to drive the market and investments into trusted connectivity regionally and globally. I am delighted that we will be welcoming the participants of the Three Seas Summit and Business Forum in Lithuania already in April this year," Gitanas Nausėda added.

The President's Communication Group