The statement emphasises that Lithuania and Poland are strategic partners at bilateral, regional, and Euro-Atlantic levels, tackling regional and global challenges jointly and in close consultations, drawing inspiration from centuries-old common history and joint responsibility for freedom, democracy and human rights in the region. It also highlights that, connected by geography, bound together by common history and cultural heritage, as well as extensive people-to-people contacts and pursuing the same geopolitical interests, Lithuania and Poland are natural allies and friends. Poland and Lithuania reaffirmed their continued strong commitment to the Three Seas Initiative. Furthermore, the ministers expressed their firm belief that in the current global context affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Three Seas Initiative activities could stimulate the post-pandemic recovery and resilience of our economies.

Referring to the current geopolitical situation, the top diplomats noted the ever-growing Lithuania-Poland security and defense cooperation in response to common threats in the region in the wake of aggressive military posture of the Russian Federation. They also highlighted the importance of reinforcing NATO’s adequate defense and deterrence measures, especially in the context of Russia-Belarus deepening military integration and the upcoming strategic military exercise ZAPAD-21.

The declaration also stated that Lithuania and Poland stand together in defending the values and security of the European Union and express grave concern regarding the ongoing hybrid attack by Alexander Lukashenko’s regime against the integrity of the EU’s external border. The document strongly condemns all attempts to instrumentalise illegal migration aimed at exerting political pressure on the EU and its member states.

Adopted on Monday, the statement also reaffirms our countries’ unwavering support to Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders. Poland and Lithuania firmly condemn the ongoing Russian military aggression against Ukraine and the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol in gross violation of international law. The two countries also call on Russia to fully implement the Minsk agreements.

We kindly invite you to read the statement, which was adopted in English.

 

MFA Press Office

Photo: Gabriel Piętka/MFA